Microsoft has partnered with investment giant BlackRock to launch the Global Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Investment Partnership (GAIIP), a $30 billion-plus fund aimed at developing critical infrastructure for AI advancements.
The collaboration includes Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and MGX, and focuses on building data centers and energy projects needed to power next-generation AI technologies.
Investments will primarily be directed to the United States, supporting the expansion of computing capacity and energy resources, with additional investments planned in partner countries. The partnership maintains an open architecture, granting non-exclusive access to a wide range of companies and organizations. Artificial intelligence company Nvidia will also play a role in the initiative, helping to improve AI data centers.
$100 billion target
GAIIP aims to unlock $30 billion in private capital initially, and potentially reach $100 billion when combined with debt financing. Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock, said: “Mobilizing private capital to build AI infrastructure, such as data centers and energy, will unlock a multi-trillion-dollar long-term investment opportunity. Data centers are the foundation of the digital economy and these investments will help drive economic growth, create jobs and fuel innovation in AI technology.”
The creation of GAIIP comes at a time when demand for AI infrastructure is rapidly increasing. By bringing together resources from leading global investors and technology companies, the partnership aims to accelerate the development of essential infrastructure for an AI-driven future.
Brad Smith, vice president and president of Microsoft, noted that the capital needed for AI infrastructure and new energy sources is greater than any one company or government can fund alone. “This financial partnership will not only help advance the technology, but also enhance national competitiveness, security, and economic prosperity,” he said.
“Accelerated computing and generative AI are driving a growing need for AI infrastructure for the next industrial revolution,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of Nvidia. “Nvidia will use its expertise as an end-to-end computing platform to support GAIIP and its portfolio companies in designing and integrating AI factories to drive innovation across the industry.”
Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella summed up the partnership by saying, “The Global AI Infrastructure Investment Partnership will help us realize this vision, while bringing together financial and industry leaders to build the infrastructure of the future and power it sustainably.”
