Microsoft boosts its AI and cloud investment in Switzerland

Microsoft is putting more money into its operations in Switzerland. The company plans to invest $400 million to expand its data centre infrastructure and AI capabilities across the country. The move builds on more than three decades of activity in Switzerland and comes as demand for cloud and AI tools continues to grow.

The investment covers several areas, including infrastructure upgrades, startup support, workforce training, and international cooperation.

Expanding cloud capacity near Zurich and Geneva

Microsoft will upgrade its data centres near Zurich and Geneva to meet rising demand from businesses, public services, and developers. The upgrades will include high-performance chips that can handle AI workloads. The additional capacity is expected to support more than 50,000 current customers and expand the availability of AI services to more sectors such as healthcare, finance, and government.

Keeping data within Swiss borders is important for industries with strict data handling rules. Microsoft says these updates will help organisations meet those rules while improving access to cloud-based tools.

Supporting startups and small businesses

As part of the plan, Microsoft is working with Switzerland Innovation Parks to help move research into practical applications. The aim is to help startups and small businesses apply AI in real-world settings. The company is also continuing its AI Tech Accelerator program, which gives Swiss startups access to training, technical guidance, and mentorship.

Since 2019, Microsoft says it has supported over 1,500 local startups with tools and cloud credits. The next phase of the accelerator, planned for late 2025, will aim to include startups from a broader range of regions across the country.

Training one million people in AI by 2027

The company is launching a national training initiative aimed at preparing one million people in Switzerland for AI-related work. This includes training students, teachers, industry groups, and nonprofit workers.

Some programs are already active. Applied sciences students are being trained through FH Schweiz. SMEs are using an AI adoption guide developed with Innovate Switzerland. Microsoft is also working with chambers of commerce and trade groups to offer AI-focused training for employees and managers.

Working with international groups in Geneva

Outside of national programs, Microsoft is maintaining its partnerships with international organisations based in Geneva. These include agencies such as the UN, ITU, and IFRC, which are exploring how AI can be used in areas like health, human rights, disaster response, and migration.

For example, AI is being used to help refugees access digital services through a partnership with UNHCR, and to support migration planning in collaboration with IOM. Microsoft is also working with IFRC to build more secure digital platforms for humanitarian aid.

In addition, the company is involved in discussions around AI ethics and data governance through organisations like the Geneva Graduate Institute. Some of this work focuses on making sure that AI policy includes voices from countries in the Global South.

Focus on data security and energy

Microsoft says it will continue supporting AI adoption while meeting Swiss standards for privacy, digital security, and sustainability. The company cites usage trends showing an increase in local developer contributions on GitHub, along with a rise in AI activity on its Azure platform.

According to internal figures, about 31% of Microsoft users in Switzerland are now using AI tools, up roughly three percentage points over the last six months.

Data security remains a central focus. The infrastructure expansion is intended to help organisations in sectors with stricter rules keep sensitive information inside Switzerland.

Sustainability goals and Swiss partnerships

Microsoft’s infrastructure plans include a focus on environmental impact. The company has signed agreements to support renewable energy projects and carbon removal efforts in Switzerland and across Europe.

Globally, Microsoft says it aims to become carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste by 2030. It is also investing in infrastructure — including data centres and servers — that are built to reduce energy use while still meeting performance needs.

(Photo by Lumière Rezaie)

See also: Microsoft launches its first cloud region in Malaysia

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