Speaking during the Web Summit conference in Lisbon, Microsoft President Brad Smith confirmed that Microsoft plans to invest approximately US $10 billion in the creation of a next-generation Artificial Intelligence (AI) data hub in Portugal.
The project—one of the largest AI-focused infrastructure investments announced in Europe—will be developed in Sines in partnership with Start Campus and Nscale, positioning Portugal as a central digital gateway in the Atlantic.
The announcement, made in an interview with Jornal de Negócios on the sidelines of the conference, detailed Microsoft’s intention to deploy more than 12,000 next-generation GPUs in the new hub, supported by advanced renewable-energy systems and the high-capacity submarine cable network that connects Sines to Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
The project aligns with ongoing efforts to transform Portugal into a major international center for cloud services, AI development, and low-carbon digital infrastructure.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro praised the announcement, stating, “This is a historic moment for Portugal. Microsoft’s investment places our country at the forefront of innovation in Europe and strengthens our role in the trans-Atlantic digital economy. It will create jobs, modernize our infrastructure, and reinforce Portugal’s long-term strategy as a leader in sustainable technology.”
Representing Microsoft at the Web Summit, Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, said, “Portugal’s connectivity, renewable-energy commitment, and skilled workforce make it an exceptional location for our next phase of AI and cloud expansion in Europe. We are honored to deepen our partnership with Portugal and contribute to the country’s digital transformation at a critical moment for global AI development.”
The Government of Portugal and project partners indicated that further details—including construction phases, workforce development programs, and energy-sustainability targets—will be released in coordination with the official project timeline.
The initiative is expected to generate significant economic and technological impact, expand Portugal’s role in the European tech ecosystem, and create new opportunities for Portuguese talent.
Web Summit, one of the world’s largest and most influential technology conferences, annually gathers more than 70,000 innovators, founders, policymakers, investors, and global tech leaders in Lisbon. The event serves as a major platform for high-level announcements in digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and AI, making it a strategic setting for Microsoft to unveil its largest-ever infrastructure commitment in Portugal.
PAJ/Staff
