Microsoft’s President and CEO Satya Nadella outlined the company’s ambitious plans to drive AI adoption, empower researchers, and transform industries across France during a visit to Paris last week as part of a European AI tour.
Nadella’s address covered Microsoft’s commitment to partnering with French companies and institutions in innovative AI applications, including a collaboration with the Institut Curie, educational initiatives to train one million French citizens in AI by 2027, and a set of smaller, industry-specific AI tools designed for diverse sectors.
He said these projects showcase Microsoft’s holistic approach to democratizing AI and positioning France as a leading digital economy in Europe. Nadella highlighted France’s skilled workforce, research capabilities, and government support as key factors in making the country a fertile ground for digital transformation.
“AI is redefining the way organizations operate and transform, and France is at the forefront of this development,” said Nadella. “It’s fantastic to witness innovations in France, and we look forward to seeing how our recent investments in cloud and AI infrastructure and skills in the country will help businesses, researchers, and developers unlock new opportunities and grow in this AI era.”
Institute Curie Collaboration: AI For Cancer Research
One of Microsoft’s most ambitious projects in France is its collaboration with the Institute Curie, a leading cancer research institution.
Through this partnership, Microsoft is introducing Copilot For Research, a version of its AI-powered tool specifically designed to assist researchers. The Copilot tool, already integrated into Microsoft 365, is enhanced with specialized capabilities for the Institute Curie, where it will manage administrative tasks, freeing researchers to focus more on high-level scientific work.
