We are facing a historical moment, where Latin America is positioned as a center of artificial intelligence. The technology giant Microsoft is expanding the presence of its data center in Mexico and announced a new investment of 1.3 billion dollars over the next three years to “improve AI infrastructure” as well as initiatives aimed at promoting digital and AI skills. The announcement was made by the company’s president and CEO, Satya Nadelladuring his keynote speech at the Microsoft AI Tour 2024 in Mexico City.
A new era of AI with the promise of creating economic and inclusive growth
The initiative aims improve connectivity and encourage AI adoption by 30,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), allowing them to update their business practices, improve their competitiveness in the market, expand their reach to potential customers and prepare for integration into international supply chains.
“We are entering a new era of AI with the promise of creating inclusive economic growth and opportunities in all roles, industries and countries, including Mexico,” said Nadella. “Our investments in AI infrastructure and skills in Mexico will help ensure that people and organizations across the country realize the benefits of this technological change.”
According to Nadella, Microsoft wants democratize access to AI skills and reach 5 million people in Mexico through the program National Artificial Intelligence Skills, which he also announced at the Microsoft AI Tour 2024 stop.
Historic investment that will position Mexico as a technological and sustainable summit
After announcing its plans in 2020, Microsoft launched its first Azure cloud region in Mexicoin the state of Queretaroin May of this year. The region has three availability zones, and this investment represents an expansion and extension.
Additionally, in the announcement, the company highlighted investments in several Mexican carbon capture and removal projects. Microsoft recently signed a six-year deal with The Next 150 to remove up to 95,000 tons of CO2 from a biochar project in GuanajuatoMexico. In April, it signed a one-year agreement with Toroto SAPI de CV to eliminate 234,000 tons of CO2 through a forest ecosystem restoration project in the state of Campeche.
The investment aligns with Microsoft’s broader sustainability initiatives, including become carbon negative, water positive and zero waste by 2030. The company has contracted more than 34 GW of renewable energy in 24 countries and is supporting carbon removal projects in Mexico.
Examples and successful cases of AI adoption in Mexico
In turn, several Mexican organizations have already adopted Microsoft AI solutions. He Tecnológico de Monterrey has developed Tecgpta platform that uses Generative AI used by students, professors and administrative employees of the university with the aim of improving learning processes.
Cemexa cement producer, has implemented AI solutions to improve productivity and operational efficiency in various business areas.
In the healthcare space, Microsoft is also addressing broader societal challenges through its program AI for Good. In the healthcare space, the company has developed AI models to diagnose retinopathy of prematurityone of the main causes of childhood blindness. While, in terms of connectivity, Microsoft has partnered with Viasat to expand Internet access to more than 1.45 million people in Mexico by the end of 2025. Big changes for sustainable development through AI.
