Microsoft, Google invest big in Polish cloud, AI infrastructure, skilling, cybersecurity

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Poland is rapidly emerging as a key hub for technological innovation and investment in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), attracting major commitments from global tech companies such as Microsoft and Google.

Microsoft has announced an investment of nearly PLN 3bn (around USD 700mn) to strengthen Poland’s cybersecurity infrastructure and AI capabilities. The initiative, set to be completed in 2026, marks a significant expansion of Microsoft’s presence in Poland. This follows the establishment of a USD 1bn data centre that provides cloud services to Polish businesses and government institutions, which became operational in 2023, reinforcing Poland’s digital resilience.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said “this is an investment in our future, our security, our youth, our startups, and our scholars.. this mutual trust and the fact that we can operate in the most challenging areas, such as cybersecurity.

“Microsoft will also be conducting AI training in Poland. I am pleased to hear that the work on the Polish language model – Bielik – is progressing so well. It is not only a matter of aspirations but also something that indicates Poland’s importance in these processes and the high technical and intellectual skills of our staff, scientists and IT specialists,” Tusk added.

Google MOU will develop AI for energy, cybersecurity

Google has also intensified its collaboration with Poland by signing a memorandum of understanding with the government to develop AI applications in the energy and cybersecurity sectors.

This agreement is part of a broader strategy to enhance Poland’s defences against cyber threats while improving efficiency in critical industries. Additionally, Google has pledged USD 5mn over the next five years to improve the digital skills of around 1mn young Poles.

Poland’s partnership with Google began in 2014. Poland experienced a rise in cyberattacks during 2024, and last February was the most attacked country in the world, with over 1,000 cyberattacks per week. The latest deal will leverage AI to enhance and strengthen the resilience of the country’s digital security systems against cyber threats. 

Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said “since 2014 we have helped thousands of businesses grow, and over 100,000 Polish enterprises have received our support. Google estimates the partnership will contribute to an 8% rise in national GDP.

“Leadership, ambition and talent are giving Poland a new position in European innovation. Poland is currently the largest engineering hub, with over 2,000 employees,” he added.

“When I invited Google to collaborate with Poland 11 years ago, I never imagined that our partnership would reach such an impressive conclusion,” Tusk said. 

Tusk projected that these technological investments will contribute to over PLN 650bn (USD 168.74 bn) in total investment. The Polish government plans to direct these funds towards defence, green energy, information technology, and transport infrastructure, with an anticipated economic growth rate of nearly 4% in 2025.

Poland in global top ten for cybercrime defence

The most recent Microsoft Digital Defence report ranked Poland third in Europe and ninth globally in terms of exposure to attacks from cybercriminal organisations sponsored by foreign nations.

Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith said “We appreciate the critical role that Poland plays in the EU, and we are committed to helping to protect its cybersecurity and cyber resilience. Microsoft’s data center investment is a vote of confidence in Poland’s leadership and economy. Our goal is to bring the most advanced AI infrastructure to every sector of the Polish economy, strengthening the nation’s economic competitiveness.”

Microsoft will partner with Polish National Defence to establish a framework to strengthen national cybersecurity, including developing AI competencies and the application of emerging disruptive technologies, such as cloud computing models, AI and quantum.