Cisco is set to enhance its role in France by launching a new global AI hub in Paris. This initiative aims to promote the development of secure, energy-efficient AI infrastructure and elevate digital knowledge across the nation. During the Choose France Summit, the announcement spotlighted plans to teach AI and digital skills to 230,000 individuals over the next three years.
The hub will prioritize secure and energy-efficient technologies and will host a center for advanced data center cooling technologies. It’s not just about infrastructure; Cisco’s Networking Academy will also continue its mission of digital education, which has already benefitted around 400,000 people in France through over 500 academies since 2001.
Alongside skill development, this move also enhances Cisco’s support for French startups in AI and related fields, such as quantum computing. This includes collaboration with Mistral AI, a homegrown AI firm involved in a joint project with Cisco, supported by a $1 billion AI investment fund.
France is increasingly attractive for AI investment, evidenced by a recent $4.3 billion commitment from Microsoft for AI and cloud expansion. The French government is also courting major investments, aiming for €109 billion in AI-focused funding, with significant contributions from Canadian and UAE investors.
Chuck Robbins, Cisco’s Chair and CEO, highlights, “The AI revolution is reshaping the world… With top talent, strong infrastructure, and a vibrant ecosystem, France is well-positioned to lead the way, and Cisco’s investments in AI and skills across Europe will help unlock the continent’s full potential.”
