Microsoft (MS) announced on the 15th that it has launched a new internal organization called 'Microsoft Elevate.' This organization seeks to enhance the technology and capabilities so that everyone can utilize and benefit from artificial intelligence (AI).
Elevate works in collaboration with schools, non-profit organizations, and others to support opportunities for people and organizations to strengthen their capabilities through AI. It is directed toward 'Putting people first.'
This organization was launched to inherit and expand the role of 'Tech for Social Impact' that has been responsible for Microsoft Philanthropies and non-profit support. It operates on a structure that reinvests part of the revenue into non-profit programs.
Microsoft Elevate plans to provide a total financial support of $4 billion along with AI and cloud technology support over the next five years to K-12 schools, community colleges, technical colleges, and non-profit organizations worldwide.
MS also runs an education initiative called 'Microsoft Elevate Academy.' This academy will offer step-by-step training from basic to advanced skills in AI to 20 million people over the next two years and support them in obtaining in-demand AI skill qualifications. This program will be conducted based on collaborations with platforms such as LINKED and GitHub.
In addition, MS has established a new type of policy research institute called the 'AI Economy Institute.' This institution empirically analyzes the social changes caused by AI technologies in areas such as work, education, and productivity. Its goal is to bridge the gap between technological innovations and social impacts. Founded within the 'AI for Good Lab,' this institute aims to support academic research exploring the potential of AI globally in cooperation with universities and research institutions around the world.
Brad Smith, vice chair of the MS board and president, said, 'Our goal is not to create machines that replace humans, but to create machines that help us do more and do it better,' adding, 'This effort can help build the capacity-building infrastructure necessary for the world to practically utilize AI.' He emphasized, 'Microsoft will continue to practice technology dissemination centered around people so that everyone has the technology, knowledge, and tools needed to grow alongside AI.'