Microsoft is investing billions to bring AI to the UK

Date:
Fri, 01 Dec 2023 11:00:33 +0000

Description:
Just weeks after the UKs first AI Summit, Microsoft reveals plans to invest billions in the countrys AI by 2026.

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Microsoft has announced plans to spend 2.5 billion ($3.2bn) in the UK to expand its next-generation AI datacenter infrastructure, increase skills, and improve security.

Redmond said that the move would bring 20,000 of the most advanced GPUs to sites across the UK by 2026, and represents the companys biggest single investment in the UK in its 40-year history in the country.

London and Cardiff, the capital of Wales, have been selected as two key regions that will be affected by the investments, however Microsoft has also alluded to further expansion in other areas, such as the north of England. Microsoft confirms 2.5 billion spend in the UK

The company said that the infrastructure investment will help meet the exploding demand for efficient, scalable and sustainable AI-specific compute power and will be beneficial to both the public and the private sectors.

Microsoft has also promised to give the UKs science and research community prioritized access to GPUs as part of the Accelerating Foundation Models Research (AFMR) program.

Beyond infrastructure upgrades, Vice Chair and President Brad Smith said that the investment would go toward upskilling one million people in readiness for artificial intelligence.

Finally, in-keeping with its commitment to safe and responsible AI, Microsoft said that it will work alongside the UK Government and AI Safety Institute.

The UKs Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said : The UK started the global conversation on AI earlier this month, and Microsofts historic investment is further evidence of the leading role we continue to play in expanding the frontiers of AI to harness its economic and scientific benefits.

Brad Smith added: Microsoft is committed as a company to ensuring that the UK as a country has world-leading AI infrastructure, easy access to the skills people need, and broad protections for safety and security. More from TechRadar Pro 28 countries agree to develop AI safely and responsibly at Bletchley Park summit Ready to get on-board? Check out the best AI tools and the best AI writers Weve rounded up the best online collaboration tools



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/microsoft-is-investing-billions-to-bring-ai-to-t he-uk


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