Bengaluru, January 7, 2025: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced a $3 billion investment in India over the next two years to advance the country’s cloud and AI infrastructure. This includes building new data centres, expanding AI capabilities, and skilling 10 million people by 2030. The announcement underscores Microsoft’s commitment to supporting India’s vision of becoming a global AI leader.
Nadella stated at the Microsoft AI Tour in Bengaluru: “India is unlocking incredible opportunities with AI. This investment ensures broad access to AI innovation, benefiting people and organizations nationwide.”
As part of this initiative, Microsoft Research Lab launched an AI Innovation Network to bridge the gap between research and practical applications. The company is also partnering with SaaS Boomi to strengthen India’s AI and SaaS ecosystem, targeting over 5,000 startups and 10,000 entrepreneurs.
Transforming India into an AI-First Nation
Satya Nadella highlighted India’s growing leadership in the global AI environment, stating:
“India is rapidly unlocking opportunities with AI, and this investment ensures the benefits are accessible to everyone, fostering both innovation and inclusivity.“
Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India and South Asia, echoed these sentiments, adding:
“From classrooms to boardrooms, Microsoft is making AI accessible to communities across India. We are committed to empowering the nation with the resources to excel globally in the AI era.“
Advancing India’s AI and Skills Ecosystem
India is emerging as a global leader in AI skills, with professionals adopting AI expertise faster than ever. According to LinkedIn data:
- Indian users spent 50% more time on learning weekly compared to global averages.
- There has been a 122% year-over-year growth in Indian professionals adding AI skills to their profiles, surpassing the global rate of 71%.
Microsoft’s initiatives will accelerate this trend, equipping millions of Indians with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.
Through its Advantage India program, Microsoft will train millions of Indians in AI skills to prepare them for the evolving job market. The company also emphasized sustainability, reaffirming its goals of becoming carbon-negative, water-positive, and zero waste by 2030.
Training and Sustainability
Puneet Chandok, President of Microsoft India and South Asia, said, “From classrooms to communities, Microsoft is making AI accessible, ensuring India is equipped with resources to thrive in the AI era.”
This significant investment cements Microsoft’s role in India’s journey toward becoming an AI-first nation while advancing responsible and sustainable AI practices.
Building AI and Cloud Infrastructure
- Microsoft will establish new data centres to expand its cloud and AI infrastructure.
- With three operational data centre regions in India, Microsoft plans to launch a fourth in 2026.
- This initiative will cater to the growing needs of India’s burgeoning AI startups and research communities, fostering scalable AI innovation.
Training 10 Million Indians in AI Skills
- As part of the second edition of the ADVANTA(I)GE India program, Microsoft aims to skill 10 million people by 2030 in AI competencies.
- The training initiative will support Indian professionals in adapting to the evolving nature of jobs, focusing on empowering students, entrepreneurs, and enterprises with future-ready AI expertise.
Launching the AI Innovation Network
Microsoft Research Lab has introduced the AI Innovation Network, which bridges the gap between research and real-world applications, enabling businesses to unlock the full potential of AI.
Empowering India’s SaaS Ecosystem
In collaboration with SaaSBoomi, Microsoft is driving the AI and SaaS ecosystem to achieve a trillion-dollar economy. This partnership will impact over 5,000 startups and 10,000 entrepreneurs, significantly boosting innovation in the region.
A New Era of AI-Driven Growth
With this massive investment, Microsoft is not just fueling AI innovation but also transforming India into a hub for AI-driven solutions. By empowering startups, training professionals, and fostering sustainability, the company is creating an ecosystem where technology catalyzes growth and inclusivity.
