New Delhi
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Microsoft’s India Development Centre (IDC) in Noida on Saturday. The upcoming facility, spanning 15 acres with a 1.1 million square feet built-up area, will focus on AI, cloud, and security advancements.
Microsoft stated that the Noida campus will strengthen India’s AI capabilities, foster digital innovation, and attract top talent globally. Rajiv Kumar, Managing Director and President of Microsoft IDC, highlighted the company’s commitment to responsible AI innovation that benefits communities, businesses, and citizens.
The facility aims to accelerate digital transformation and deepen Microsoft’s collaboration with Uttar Pradesh, positioning India as an AI-first nation. Microsoft IDC already operates in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Noida, making it the largest R&D hub outside its Redmond headquarters in the US.
Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella recently announced multiple AI initiatives in India, including a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government’s ‘India AI Mission.’ Under this partnership, Microsoft and India AI will train 500,000 individuals—including students, educators, developers, and government officials—by 2026.
Additionally, an AI Center of Excellence, named ‘AI Catalysts,’ will be established to drive rural AI innovation and support 100,000 AI developers through hackathons and community initiatives.
The Noida campus, backed by the Uttar Pradesh government and Noida Authority, marks a significant step in AI development and digital skilling, reinforcing India’s role as a leader in global technology advancements.