Microsoft has announced a sweeping investment initiative aimed at bolstering Southeast Wisconsin’s position as a hub for AI-driven economic activity, innovation, and job creation. The plan, revealed by Microsoft President Brad Smith alongside President Joe Biden at Gateway Technical College, encompasses several key components designed to catalyze long-term economic growth and technological advancement in the region.
Under the initiative, Microsoft will allocate $3.3 billion in cloud computing and AI infrastructure development by 2026. This investment will involve the establishment of a cutting-edge datacenter campus in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, expected to generate 2,300 union construction jobs by 2025 and provide ongoing employment opportunities. Additionally, Microsoft plans to collaborate with Gateway Technical College to create a Data Center Academy, offering training and certification programs for over 1,000 students to support the burgeoning IT sector in the area.
“Microsoft is a blue-chip corporation that recognizes the strength of Wisconsin’s workers, infrastructure, economy, and our quality of life. Microsoft has chosen to locate and invest here because they know the future is here in Wisconsin.”
Governor Tony Evers
Furthermore, Microsoft aims to foster a thriving regional AI innovation ecosystem through the creation of a manufacturing-focused AI Co-Innovation Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the first of its kind in the United States. This lab will serve as a collaborative space for Wisconsin manufacturers to partner with Microsoft experts in developing AI and cloud solutions to enhance their operations and drive business growth.
Recognizing the critical role of education in preparing the workforce for an AI-driven economy, Microsoft will join forces with United Way Wisconsin and United Way Racine to upskill more than 100,000 individuals across Wisconsin by 2030 in generative AI. Additionally, the company plans to train and certify 3,000 local AI software developers and provide immersive bootcamps for 1,000 business, civic, and government leaders to facilitate the adoption of AI technologies in their organizations.
Moreover, Microsoft is committed to reinforcing the community’s central role in its investment strategy. The company will support local education and youth employment programs, expand STEM education initiatives, and invest in equity-focused grant funds to address disparities and promote digital inclusion in under-resourced communities.
In alignment with its environmental sustainability goals, Microsoft has partnered with National Grid to develop a new 250-megawatt solar project in Wisconsin, scheduled to begin operations in 2027. This initiative underscores Microsoft’s commitment to responsible resource management and environmental stewardship.
Through these multifaceted investments, Microsoft aims to harness the power of AI to drive economic prosperity, foster innovation, and create opportunities for all residents of Southeast Wisconsin.
