During the Microsoft AI Tour 2024 conference in Mexico, Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella announced a significant investment of $1.3 billion over the next three years to strengthen artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and promote AI and digital literacy programs in the country.
A key part of this initiative is the Artificial Intelligence National Skills Initiative, which aims to democratize access to AI knowledge. The plan is to train 5 million people, working with government, industry, academia and civil society organizations. Microsoft wants to prepare employees, educators and organizational leaders for the challenges associated with the growing role of AI in everyday work.
Microsoft emphasizes that AI is a key tool for the social and economic development of Mexico . The investment aims to increase local computing power and encourage innovation in the technology sector. The company is committed to the “AI Access Principles,” promoting innovation and healthy competition in the growing AI economy.
Examples of successful AI implementations in Mexico include Grupo Bimbo, Tec de Monterrey and Cemex. For example, Tecnológico de Monterrey created the Tecgpt platform based on Microsoft’s generative AI, which supports learning and increases efficiency among students and employees. Cemex, in turn, has used AI solutions to improve productivity and operational efficiency in areas such as sales, manufacturing and supply chain.
According to a 2023 Microsoft study, 57% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Mexico are already using AI, mainly to improve operational efficiency and personalize customer experiences. To support this trend, Microsoft is investing in The Bridge Accelerator program to help SMEs integrate into North American value chains. The “PyMAIs” initiative aims to support 30,000 SMEs in three years to update their business practices and become more competitive in the market.
Microsoft is also involved in social projects, using AI to solve health problems such as retinopathy of prematurity, a leading cause of blindness in infants. With AI models running on smartphones, doctors in Mexico can diagnose the disease more effectively.
The partnership with Viasat aims to increase internet access to more than 1.45 million people by the end of 2025. The initiative also includes a program to support women in technology, helping to reduce the digital gender divide in thirteen Mexican states.
In terms of sustainability, Microsoft aims to be carbon neutral and water positive by 2030. The company is investing in CO2 removal projects in Mexico, such as its partnerships with The Next 150 and Toroto SAPI de CV, that not only reduce emissions but also support local communities and biodiversity.
Committed to Mexico's Future
Through these investments and initiatives, Microsoft underscores its long-term commitment to Mexico. The company aims to ensure that technology is a catalyst for positive social and economic change, promoting responsible innovation and ensuring that the benefits of technology are accessible to all citizens.
“This announcement demonstrates Microsoft’s confidence and commitment in Mexico, supporting the country’s inclusive economic growth. This investment has already been presented to the incoming Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, to ensure his support and achieve the greatest possible impact in our country,” said Rafael Sánchez Loza, CEO of Microsoft Mexico.
source: https://news.microsoft.com/
illustration: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Microsoft#/media/File:Building92microsoft.jpg