$700 million investment for cloud and cybersecurity in Poland

Poland’s digital infrastructure is set to grow, with billions of zloty to be invested in new cloud and AI projects.

Microsoft is planning to invest PLN 2.8 billion ($700 million) by June 2026, to strengthen the country’s position as an emerging tech hub.

A portion of the funding will comprise of forming a partnership with Poland’s Ministry of National Defence to reinforce the country’s cybersecurity systems. Cyber threats remain a pressing concern for the country, which ranks third in Europe and ninth globally in exposure to attacks from state-sponsored hackers, according to data from Microsoft’s Digital Defense report.

There’s also a proposal for a second phase of funding after this round of investment, though the specifics haven’t yet been shared.

Cloud computing and AI are increasingly being viewed as ‘General Purpose Technologies’ – innovations like electricity and computing that drive widespread changes across entire economies. Economists see AI heading in that direction, transforming industries and reshaping how businesses operate, but in time becoming as necessary as basic utilities.

Europe is laying the groundwork for an AI transition. Major technology firms are funnelling billions into digital infrastructure to ensure that businesses across the continent can access advanced cloud and AI tools.

One area of focus has been making sure the technology is built with Europe’s needs in mind. Last year, Microsoft introduced a set of AI Access Principles in Barcelona, and was at pains to outline how its AI infrastructure will remain open and available to businesses across the region.

Poland is also seeing progress on localisation. Work continues on Bielik, a Polish-language AI model, reflecting a growing confidence in the country’s digital economy and the role of its native speakers in the broader European tech landscape.

The new round of investment builds on earlier rounds by Microsoft. Back in 2020, the company launched its first cloud computing region in Poland, establishing three data centres as part of a $1 billion initiative. Since then, over 430,000 people in Poland have received digital skills training through the company’s programmes. Microsoft hopes to push that number higher, with a goal of training a million teachers, developers, and professionals to support the country’s digital shift.

Polish Prime Minister, Donald Franciszek Tusk, has highlighted the importance of the investment, pointing out that it will give young people, particularly, access to cutting-edge tools and career opportunities. While infrastructure and funding are important, he stressed that skills development will be just as important to help people make the most of this technology.

Microsoft isn’t the only global tech firm betting on Poland’s digital future. Google is also expanding its presence, having committed $2 billion to a data centre project in 2025.

(Photo by Unsplash)

See also: Europe unites to launch its first sovereign edge cloud.

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