Microsoft to open Asia’s Largest AI and IoT Lab in China

Microsoft will open Asia’s largest AI and IoT lab in China in April this year. The collaborative effort between the software behemoth and the local district government will aim to address the country’s growing business sectors ranging from manufacturing to healthcare.

The 2,800 square meters new facility will be located in Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai and it will be the company’s first ever in the Asia-Pacific and will be the third, specially designed for development and research in the field of IoT and AI.

The development will boost the digital transformation of enterprises, integrate their AI and IoT and assist its users to create IoT products and solutions across various sectors. Other than that, services like prototyping, testing and designing will also be offered to its partner enterprises.

Apart from the digital transformation, the new development is a part of the country’s Made in China 2025 plan initiated by the Government. The plan was introduced in 2015. The main goal of the plan is to upgrade the manufacturing units of various industries across the country and boost the country’s domestic content of core materials in the coming years.

China will start conducting 5G trials this year itself and will boost development not only the development in the telecom sector but also IoT and industrial applications.

“China is the world’s largest IoT market, with great potential in deploying AI and IoT technologies,” quoted VP of Microsoft China.

China is currently the leader in AI adoption wave across the globe and has become an investment and financing sanctuary from major companies.