Over the next three years, Microsoft plans to invest $18 billion in Australia to upgrade government cyber defense capabilities and artificial intelligence supercomputers, the company announced on Thursday.
It was Microsoft’s “largest-ever” investment in Australia, according to CEO Satya Nadella.
It comes after Microsoft declared in 2023 that it will invest $3 billion to construct a series of data centers throughout Australia.
“Australia has an enormous opportunity to translate AI into real economic growth and societal benefit,” Nadella said while visiting Australia on a global tour touting Microsoft’s AI wares.
The investment would be used to upgrade supercomputers used to churn through massive data sets powering the development of artificial intelligence.
Microsoft is also working with the Australian government to bolster its cybersecurity.
“We want to make sure all Australians benefit from AI,” said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“Microsoft’s long-term investment in our national capability will help deliver on that plan — strengthening our cyber defences and creating opportunity for Australian workers and businesses.”
This month, the massive artificial intelligence company Anthropic announced that it was evaluating data center investments in Australia.
Australia has marketed itself as a top destination for the power-hungry data centers required to run AI because of its enormous potential for renewable energy and large areas of undeveloped territory.
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