3B Investment Package for AI-Powered Economic Growth

Mount Pleasant, WI - In a move aimed at enhancing Southeast Wisconsin's role as a hub for AI-driven economic activity, innovation, and job creation, Microsoft has announced a significant investment package. The package includes a $3.3 billion investment in cloud computing and AI infrastructure, the establishment of the nation's first manufacturing-focused AI co-innovation lab, and an AI skilling initiative benefiting over 100,000 residents of the state.

President Joe Biden will stand alongside Microsoft President Brad Smith at Gateway Technical College in Mount Pleasant to reveal the comprehensive investment plan.

Brad Smith, Vice Chair, and President of Microsoft, acknowledged Wisconsin's history of manufacturing innovation and emphasized the transformative potential of AI in advancing the next generation of manufacturing companies, skills, and jobs, not only in Wisconsin but across the country.

The investment package will be deployed in a four-part strategy, with the first component involving Microsoft's commitment to invest $3.3 billion by the end of 2026 in expanding its national cloud and AI infrastructure capacity. This expansion includes the development of a state-of-the-art data center campus in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin. The construction of the data center is projected to generate 2,300 union construction jobs by 2025, with numerous long-term employment opportunities expected thereafter. The new infrastructure will empower companies in Wisconsin and nationwide to leverage cutting-edge cloud services and AI applications to foster growth, modernize operations, and enhance their products and businesses.

Additionally, Microsoft will collaborate with Gateway Technical College to establish the Data Center Academy. This academy aims to train and certify more than 1,000 students over five years, equipping them with the necessary skills to work in the data center and IT sector jobs created in the area.

In a drive to create a thriving AI innovation economy in the region, the second part of the strategy entails Microsoft's plan to establish a manufacturing-focused AI Co-Innovation Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. This pioneering lab will facilitate collaboration between Wisconsin manufacturers and Microsoft's AI experts and developers to design and prototype AI and cloud solutions intended to optimize work processes and bolster business growth. The lab's services are expected to benefit 270 Wisconsin companies by 2030, including 135 manufacturing enterprises. The lab will also connect with TitletownTech in Green Bay, supported in part by Microsoft and the Green Bay Packers.

Recognizing the importance of education and training in the AI transformation, Microsoft will launch partnerships with organizations like United Way Wisconsin and United Way Racine to train over 100,000 individuals on generative AI by 2030. This training program will empower residents to effectively utilize new applications such as Microsoft Copilot, enhancing productivity and creativity. Gateway Technical College will also partner with Microsoft to train and certify 3,000 local AI software developers and offer immersive bootcamps for 1,000 local business, civic, and government leaders.

To reinforce the role of the community, Microsoft will invest in long-term local education and youth employment programs. Collaborating with the Racine Unified School District (RUSD), Microsoft plans to expand its Girls in STEM program to two additional RUSD middle schools, extending STEM education to over 500 middle school-aged girls over five years. Through the Summer Youth Employment Program, Microsoft pledges to match at least 125 young people between the ages of 16 and 18 with local employers annually, offering soft skills and on-the-job training. Furthermore, Microsoft will continue to support Equity Through Technology and STEAM Grant Funds for more than 12,000 individuals participating in United Way programs across Racine County.

This comprehensive investment package builds upon Wisconsin's legacy of business innovation and Microsoft's commitment to the state. Microsoft's previous initiatives include TechSpark, an ecosystem building program present in all 50 states, partnerships with the Green Bay Packers, gener8tor, and digital inclusion projects like Microsoft Airband.

In addition to the economic endeavors, Microsoft is also mindful of environmental sustainability. The tech giant has collaborated with National Grid to develop a new 250-megawatt solar project in Wisconsin, set to begin operations by 2027. This project will contribute to the local grid, adding to Microsoft's goal of exceeding 4,000 megawatts of solar power by 2027 - enough to power over three million homes. Microsoft and National Grid will jointly allocate $20 million to a community fund supporting under-resourced communities and those disproportionately impacted by pollution.

The announcement signifies a significant step forward in Wisconsin's journey to build a 21st-century workforce and economy. As Governor Tony Evers aptly noted, Microsoft's investment reflects confidence in Wisconsin's workers, infrastructure, economy, and quality of life.

For additional information, please contact Microsoft Media Relations at [email protected]

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