Microsoft has announced that it has selected Ireland as a key location to invest in advancing its global AI innovation, creating 550 new engineering and research and development (R&D) roles based in Ireland for the development of new AI technologies. This initiative positions Ireland as a key location for Microsoft‘s global AI innovation strategy. Microsoft has not disclosed the investment amount.
The investment will see Microsoft undertake significant industrial research into AI to develop critical, leading-edge technology in the area of AI and cyber security, which will then be made available to public and private sector organisations all around the world, the company announced last Friday.
The announcement was made by Taoiseach Simon Harris, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader James O’Connor, and IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan. The new positions will focus on advancing AI and cybersecurity technologies, allowing multidisciplinary teams to develop scalable, secure infrastructure and applications across various industries, including healthcare and education.
“The new roles will ensure that Microsoft Ireland’s Engineering Hub will have end-to-end AI product development capabilities,” Microsoft said.
According to Microsoft, “This investment will result in an additional 550 new jobs at Microsoft Ireland over the next three to four years, across areas such as software engineering, applied sciences, product management, program management, data science, design, technical writing and analytics.”
Microsoft’s investment is backed by the Government of Ireland through IDA Ireland, aligning with the nation’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy aimed at fostering advanced skills and expertise. With the addition of the new toles, Microsoft’s Irish workforce will exceed 6,000 employees across its Leopardstown campus, Grange Castle data center, and LinkedIn offices.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said, “Not only does this highlight Ireland’s attractiveness as an investment destination, it also promises a significant boost for the AI ecosystem in Ireland. Fostering AI skills and advancing capabilities in the field are core to the Government’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and this project will help develop new specialist skills and expertise, thereby positioning Ireland for further investment in this critical area.”
Microsoft has been operating in Ireland since 1985 and aims to leverage local talent and expertise to drive its AI development and security efforts forward.
James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre said: “AI is one of the most transformative technologies of our time – it will unlock profound possibilities for people, industry, and society. At Microsoft, we are delighted to be at the forefront of the AI era – delivering safe, secure and ethical solutions to all industries that will accelerate breakthroughs in healthcare, education, infrastructure and more for the benefit of society as a whole.”
AI in Ireland
James O’Connor emphasised the transformative potential of AI, stating, “Through this investment, we are building on our almost 40-year presence in Ireland, which has been characterised by continuous investment, transformation and the diversification of our operations from a manufacturing site to a significant international Hub for Microsoft providing software development, engineering, data centres, finance, operations, and sales and marketing for EMEA.”
“The creation of 550 new roles enables us to further strengthen our presence here in Ireland and take AI and cyber security innovation to the next level,” he added.
CEO of IDA Ireland Michael Lohan said: “Ireland continues to prove itself as a location where the world’s most innovative AI companies build groundbreaking technologies. In line with government’s ambitions, by supporting innovative R&D projects like the one announced by Microsoft today, we are helping to shape the future of AI in Ireland and to harness AI as a driver for future economic growth. This investment by Microsoft is set to deliver exceptional economic benefit alongside 550 highly skilled jobs at the cutting-edge of the AI sector in Ireland.”
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