Microsoft Commits $1.3 Billion to Mexico’s AI Future
Mexico City – During his keynote address at the Microsoft AI Tour 2024 in Mexico City, Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella revealed a significant $1.3 billion investment over the next three years. This commitment aims to bolster the country’s artificial intelligence infrastructure, promote digital and AI skills, and foster broader adoption of AI across various sectors.
Expanding AI Infrastructure and Skills Programs
The investment, marking Microsoft’s 38th year in Mexico, underscores the company’s belief in AI as a catalyst for socioeconomic growth. “We are entering a new era of AI with the promise to create inclusive economic growth and opportunity across every role, industry, and country, including in Mexico,” Nadella stated. The funds will enhance local computing capacity and drive innovation, with a focus on democratizing AI skills.
A key component of this initiative is the Artificial Intelligence National Skills program, which seeks to train 5 million people. Microsoft plans to collaborate with governments, industry, academia, and civil society to offer training to users, developers, educators, and organizational leaders. This program is designed to equip job seekers and employees with essential skills to utilize generative AI, adapting to the growing integration of AI in daily tasks.
Supporting Small and Medium-sized Businesses
Microsoft will also support the digital transformation and business operations, offering specific programs for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). A 2023 Microsoft study highlighted that 57% of Mexican SMBs already employ AI, often to improve operational efficiency, inform data-driven decisions, and personalize customer experiences. The company is investing in The Bridge Accelerator program to prepare regional SMBs to integrate into North American industry value chains. This program will assist 30,000 SMBs in enhancing business practices to better compete in the marketplace and to improve their integration into cross-border supply networks.
AI for Good Initiatives
Microsoft will also leverage its AI for Good program to address challenges in health, connectivity, and sustainability.
- Health: Microsoft has developed AI models that run on smartphones to enable doctors to diagnose Retinopathy of Prematurity (RoP), a preventable cause of infant blindness.
- Connectivity: Expanding on a November 2022 agreement with Viasat, Microsoft aims to connect over 1.45 million people by the end of 2025, including bringing internet access to more than 150,000 Mexicans previously without it. This also includes working with Viasat’s female-led Mexico Ambassador Program to reduce the digital divide.
- Sustainability: This commitment includes various sustainability initiatives, such as a 6-year deal to remove up to 95,000 tons of CO2 and a separate 1-year deal to remove 234,000 tons of CO2, supporting local farmers and fostering biodiversity.
Current Adoption of AI in Mexico
Companies such as Grupo Bimbo, Tecnológico de Monterrey, and Cemex are successfully adopting AI to enhance productivity and efficiency. Tecnológico de Monterrey has developed Tecgpt, a platform utilizing Microsoft’s generative AI, to improve learning processes. Cemex has significantly enhanced productivity and operational efficiency across sales, production, and supply chain functions with its AI-powered copilot, Technical Xpert.
A Commitment to Responsible Innovation
Microsoft emphasizes ethical and sustainable practices to ensure technology benefits all Mexicans. “Today’s announcement demonstrates Microsoft’s trust and commitment to Mexico supporting inclusive economic growth in the country,” said Rafael Sánchez Loza, General Manager of Microsoft Mexico. Microsoft is working on programs for innovation and democratizing AI usage with digital infrastructure and technological advancements.
