Microsoft has a strong presence in France with a wide ecosystem of partners in both the public and private sectors. In a move to further solidify its position, the company announced a €4bn investment last May to drive the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technologies.
The investment will focus on developing a state-of-the-art datacentre and providing AI training to citizens. These initiatives align with France’s National Strategy for AI and the recommendations of the French Commission for Artificial Intelligence, aiming to establish France as a leader in AI development and utilization.
Microsoft’s plan includes building a new datacentre near Mulhouse, expanding datacentre capacity in Paris and Marseilles, and aiming to have 25,000 GPUs available for AI workloads by the end of 2025. This expanded infrastructure will have a positive impact on various industries across France.
Corine De Bilbao, president of Microsoft France, highlighted the potential of AI to double France’s economic growth by 2030. Microsoft aims to train one million French individuals by 2027 and support 2,500 startups to ensure a skilled workforce and a thriving ecosystem.
In collaboration with the French Artificial Intelligence Commission, Microsoft plans to provide training through public debates, educational programs, and specialized AI tools. The company’s efforts extend to training office workers, developers, and businesses of all sizes in utilizing AI tools effectively.
Microsoft’s involvement in the startup community includes partnerships with Station F, the world’s largest startup campus. The company supports startups through programs like Microsoft GenAI Studio, offering technology assistance and training.
Addressing security concerns, Microsoft is implementing new measures to protect datacentres from AI-specific attacks. Tools like Microsoft Security Copilot enhance cybersecurity by detecting and responding to security incidents.
The event also highlighted the role of AI in scientific research and engineering, with a focus on leveraging AI to support researchers and engineers in their work. Discussions emphasized the ethical use of AI, with Microsoft emphasizing responsible AI practices for maximizing the technology’s benefits.
