Microsoft has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping one million individuals in Poland with artificial intelligence (AI) skills by the end of 2025. This ambitious programme will be delivered through a wide range of free online courses, accessible to participants across various skill levels.

Building on the company’s “Polish Digital Valley” investment, announced in 2020, Microsoft continues to strengthen its commitment to Poland’s digital transformation. The initiative has already led to the establishment of the region’s first cloud data centre and the training of over 430,000 IT specialists, students, and business professionals.

The new training programme, hosted on Microsoft’s AI Skills Navigator platform, offers over 200 courses tailored for both beginners and advanced learners, including developers and business leaders. Participants can access resources in Polish and other languages, guided by an AI assistant that personalizes learning paths based on individual skill assessments. The platform also includes tools to help users identify areas for improvement, enabling them to develop targeted AI competencies.

A Growing Need for AI Skills in Poland

According to a study by the International Data Corporation (IDC), 77% of Polish organizations are either using or planning to adopt AI within the next year. Reflecting this growing demand, Microsoft’s Work Trend Index reveals that more than half (53%) of Polish business leaders prioritize candidates with AI expertise. Additionally, 55% of employers would hire a less experienced candidate with AI knowledge over a more experienced one without such skills. Despite this, only 61% of employees in Poland currently use AI tools at work, compared to the global average of 75%.

Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, emphasized the importance of equipping people with AI skills. “To benefit from AI, individuals need the skills to use it. This new investment in AI skilling will help ensure that people in Poland can harness this transformative technology across the economy,” Smith stated.

Collaboration and Continuous Updates

Microsoft has partnered with universities, NGOs, and tech communities to broaden the programme’s reach and ensure inclusivity. The company has also committed to regularly updating its learning hub with new, relevant content to meet evolving user needs.

Complementary Initiatives and Government Support

Microsoft’s announcement aligns with broader efforts in Poland to advance AI adoption. Earlier this month, the Polish government pledged to invest 1 billion zloty (€232 million) in AI development, including the creation of a Polish large language model and an Artificial Intelligence Fund to oversee related projects.

In addition to Microsoft’s programme, Google and Santander Bank have also launched an AI training initiative in Poland. Their courses, offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, focus on basic AI concepts and their applications in automating tasks and improving productivity.

A Promising Future for AI in Poland

With these initiatives, Poland is positioning itself as a leader in AI adoption in Central and Eastern Europe. As more individuals gain access to free, high-quality AI education, the country is set to capitalize on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in driving economic growth and innovation.