Microsoft to Invest $3.2 Billion in UK AI Infrastructure, Bringing 20,000 GPUs by 2026
Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith has announced the company’s plan to invest $3.2 billion (£2.5 billion) over the next three years to establish a significant “AI infrastructure” in the UK.
The investment, which includes bringing over 20,000 advanced GPUs to the UK by 2026, will be focused on three key areas. These include enhancing the UK’s AI infrastructure, developing AI talent and education programmes, and implementing AI safety and security measures.
Smith says the initiative is designed to support the UK economy while “supporting the UK’s growing AI safety and research efforts.” It will involve working with the UK government and university researchers from Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College, and others.
The plan also includes expanding Microsoft’s datacentre footprint in the UK, training more than one million people for careers in AI, and ensuring responsible AI practices through partnerships with the AI Safety Institute and others.
Elsewhere today, Microsoft has launched an interactive 3D map that showcases its global operations, including data centres and climate investments. The company is keen to showcase its commitment to cloud technology and sustainability. Cloud revenue recently reached $23.4 billion.
