Microsoft commits $700 million to expand AI and cybersecurity efforts in Poland

Microsoft has revealed a significant investment of $700 million (2.8 billion zloty) in Poland, focusing on expanding its data centre to foster AI development, enhance cybersecurity, and improve competitiveness.

Brad Smith, Microsoft's vice chair and president, spoke in Warsaw alongside Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, emphasizing that this investment reflects strong confidence in Poland’s people, economy, and government leadership, Caliber.Az reports, citing Polish media outlets.

“We do not make investments of this magnitude lightly,” Smith stated. “But we have the confidence to invest here in Poland because of the work of recent years and the future opportunities we see.”

This new investment builds on a $1 billion commitment Microsoft made in 2020 under Poland’s previous government, which led to the opening of its first data centre in the region in 2023. Smith announced the “second phase” of this plan, which will be rolled out by the summer of 2026. It includes expanding AI capabilities and increasing data centre capacity in Poland.

In addition, Microsoft aims to bolster its cybersecurity efforts in collaboration with Poland’s defence forces, noting that this partnership had strengthened following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Smith emphasized the importance of Poland in Ukraine’s defence and expressed a desire to further enhance cybersecurity through AI advancements, ensuring Poland remains at the cutting edge of technology.

Smith also highlighted that Poland has become a hub for innovation and startups, and this investment will help enhance the country’s global competitiveness.

Prime Minister Tusk lauded the announcement, stating that Microsoft’s investment demonstrates Poland’s potential as a prime investment destination. “This is an investment in our future, our security, our young generation, startups, and scientists,” he said.

This announcement follows a similar move by Google last week, when CEO Sundar Pichai visited Warsaw and signed a memorandum of understanding with Poland for a “strategic AI partnership.” While initial reactions to Pichai’s announcement were critical due to the relatively modest $5 million allocation, Google later clarified that it would invest billions of zloty in Poland.

By Tamilla Hasanova