Washington DC, April 9, 2024 -Today Microsoft has announced that it will invest $ 2.9 billion in the next two years to increase Japan’s hyper -scale cloud computing and AI infrastructure. In the next three years, we will provide more than 3 million AI skills, open Japan’s first Microsoft Research ASIA Lab, and expand digital skill programs with the goal of deepening cyber security cooperation with the Japanese government. Masu.
These investments support Japanese important pillars, tackle deflation, and stimulate the economy by expanding the infrastructure, skilled talent, and security necessary to accelerate Japanese digital transformation and the adoption of AI. I am aiming for that. The announcement was Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kissidida visited the United States, joining Microsoft Vice Chair, President Brad Smith and President Microsoft Japan Miki Tsusaka.
Increased Japanese AI and cloud infrastructure capacity
The 2.9 billion dollar commitment is Microsoft’s largest investment and the first international office in 46 years of history in Japan. Effectively doubles our existing financial commitments and expands AI and cloud infrastructure throughout Japan.
With this digital capacity, Microsoft can provide more advanced computing resources in Japan, including the latest graphic processing unit (GPU), which is important to speed up AI workloads. Based on Microsoft’s support Generated AI Axela Letter Challenge (Genic)This program is led by the Ministry of Economy and Trade Industry, which is useful for developing companies that have been established as innovative startups to develop Foundation models as a core technology for Japanese AI.
By training 3 million people, we will build Japanese AI capabilities
Microsoft will also invest in 3 million full -time workers and part -time workers training throughout Japan in the next three years, and provide the skills needed to build and cooperate with AI Technologies. This investment is provided through programs that focus on supporting organizations including ordinary women and society as a whole, and focuses on developers and students.
Microsoft extends the code. We provide dedicated training for women who want to participate in AI -compatible work without a barrier program for Japan. In addition, we provide free and wide -accessing content with AI, cyber security and UNITAR (UNITAR).
In addition, Microsoft, a fostering advanced AI expert who can promote AI integration, offers a course for Japanese AI developers and technology companies and a reference architecture. These are enhanced by the Microsoft AI coding assistant, GitHub Copilot. The company also supports startups with resources through Microsoft for the Startups Founders Hub, and supports AI -centered programs at vocational high schools.
Microsoft has been established programs to support the widespread adoption and application of AI tools to move forward the social interest provided by AI through companies in the Tokyo Great City Government, and companies in public institutions. Continue. In addition, Microsoft provides Supports the development of internal AI policies for customers including data management and security, and ensure responsible and responsible use.
Open Japan’s first Microsoft Research Asia Lab in Tokyo
Microsoft Research ASIA has expanded research leadership in the Asia -Pacific region by opening a lab in Tokyo.
The new lab focuses on the specified AI, robot engineering, social AI and happiness, and scientific discoveries that match Japan’s social and economic priority. The establishment reflects Microsoft’s long -term commitment to Japan and its beliefs on the possibility of the world that leads the world in innovation.
Microsoft Research is a section of Microsoft, pursuing bold ideas and technical break -throughs with AI, and has built a foundation for advances in basic computer sciences. As a basic research department in the Asia -Pacific region, Microsoft Research Asia has been working with Japanese academic world for over 20 years, which has contributed to interdisciplinary research and talent.
In order to promote enhanced research collaboration, Microsoft will provide a 10 million dollar resource subsidy for partnerships on artificial intelligence research between the University of Tokyo and the University of Kernee Melon in the next five years.
Alliance to strengthen Japan’s cyber security defense
Microsoft works with the Japanese Cabinet Secretariat to strengthen the resilience of the government, business and society. Updated national security strategy。
This collaboration is based on services provided by Microsoft to protect thousands of Japanese organizations every day. As part of a joint effort to work on cyber security threats, focus on fields such as information sharing, human resources development, and technology solutions to provide their expertise and advanced cloud and AI -drive security services. I will apply.
Leadership statement
Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida
“As the number of economic activities in digital space increases, it is important that the entire Japanese industry cooperates with global companies such as Microsoft with a series of digital infrastructure. Microsoft announced new investment in Japan. I am grateful for that, and I am looking forward to the social implementation of Japan through various initiatives. I am looking forward to deepening.
Brad Smith, Vice -President and President, Microsoft
“Today’s announcement has been the most important investment of Microsoft in Japan since its roots in 1978. These digital infrastructure, AI skills, cyber security, and investment in AI research. It is an indispensable factor for building a robust AI economy.
Ken Caeet, Economic, Trade Industry Minister
“As digital investment increases around the world, we welcome Microsoft’s new investment in Japan and look forward to the future contribution to the promotion of the Japanese digital industry, including AI. The Ministry of Trade Industry will create both innovation and discipline in cooperation with Microsoft, a global leader in the digital field.
Headquarters for the promotion of the digital society, policy research council, representative member, vice president, highway HIRAI
“The adoption of digital tools is essential for the social issues of the elderly, economic growth, and the pursuit of regional revitalization. Microsoft’s investment, especially in infrastructure and human development, is Japan’s AI ability. I am very contributed to the improvement of this, and I am looking forward to the role of the leadership that can be played in the public and the United States when Microsoft promotes collaboration between Japan and the United States. “
Microsoft Japan, Miki TSUSAKA
“We are honored to be able to contribute to Japan and its future with the greatest investment, skills, and knowledge so far, and in cooperation with partners, Microsoft Japan solves social issues and gives more. We are completely working on supporting Japanese people and organizations to achieve.
Governor of Tokyo, KOIKO Yuko
“The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Microsoft have concluded a partnership last year and emphasized that Japanese labor has digital skills. Today’s announcement, women accept AI and 300 AI skills. It contains a program that encourages everyone to provide it, but Japan is an important step in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in the era of digitalization. To improve the quality of the service, we will continue to accept the most advanced technology and lead the digital transformation.
Hiroshima office responsible, Chisamikami
“Through the collaboration between Unitar and Microsoft, we will try to democratize access to AI education so that everyone can use our knowledge freely. Together, we have a path to advanced AI experts. We are promoting the innovation of startups and promoting a responsible AI in the industry and the ability to improve the AI.
Microsoft’s AI’s highest technical manager and executive vise president, Kevinscot
“The impact of AI’s preparation for the next few years can create unprecedented social interests in the world. With AI technology. Program -or not Improvement of vocational training, skills, infrastructure abilities, or new research Investment -will The aggregate accelerates this useful innovation process. Microsoft Research is especially excited that global footprints are expanding to Japan, and world -class research efforts will contribute to local thinking and talent diversity, and to increase their profits. “
Chairman of the University of Tokyo, Fujiji Temple
“The University of Tokyo is working to contribute to the realization of a better society through research and education that focuses on cutting -edge technologies such as artificial intelligence. Maximizes the benefits of these technologies and minimize risks. In order to promote innovation, it is essential to cooperate with a partner who shares the goal, and the new laboratory has been established in Tokyo for more than 20 years with Microsoft. We are looking forward to the development of outstanding human resources who continue to work together.
