Microsoft has signed a multi-billion-dollar agreement with French artificial intelligence company Mistral to expand AI computing capacity in Europe and meet the growing demand for cloud and AI services.
Under the partnership, Mistral’s AI models will also be made available to Microsoft customers through platforms such as Copilot.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, both companies said the deal would strengthen Europe’s AI infrastructure while giving businesses greater access to advanced AI technology.
Although the financial details were not disclosed, Mistral said the partnership would help accelerate funding and development for Mistral Compute, its cloud and AI infrastructure business.
The French AI company plans to reach 200 megawatts of computing capacity by 2027 and expand to one gigawatt by 2030. It is also investing €4 billion ($4.6 billion) in data centres across France and Europe, with one already operating near Paris and another under construction in Sweden.
Microsoft said the partnership would allow European customers to access powerful AI tools while keeping greater control over their data.
“Europe should have access to the world’s most capable AI without compromising control over their data, operations or digital future,” Microsoft President Brad Smith said.
Customers will be able to use Mistral’s AI models through Microsoft Copilot, either on Microsoft’s cloud platform or on their own local infrastructure.
The partnership comes as global demand for AI computing power continues to rise, with technology companies investing heavily in data centres and advanced AI infrastructure.
Source: AFP.
