The University of Washington (UW) and Microsoft have announced an expansion of their partnership aimed at enhancing artificial intelligence (AI) research and education, with a particular focus on equipping Washington’s workforce for an AI-driven economy. This collaboration was unveiled by UW President Robert J. Jones and Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith during an event held at UW’s Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering.
The enhanced partnership will provide the University with greater access to advanced AI computing resources, expand internship and applied research opportunities, and introduce community AI literacy initiatives, including a foundational AI course tailored for working residents of Washington. This initiative builds upon Microsoft’s long-standing support for the University, which has included $165 million in investments toward student scholarships and the enhancement of UW’s computer science and engineering programs.
As projected by the Partnership for Learning, Washington is expected to need to fill approximately 1.5 million job vacancies by 2032, comprising about 640,000 new jobs and 910,000 openings due to retirements. Notably, up to 75% of these positions are anticipated to require post-secondary credentials, with a particular demand for four-year and advanced degrees. If current trends persist, the state could potentially face a deficit of nearly 600,000 credentialed workers over the next decade.
The Washington State Legislature’s majority budget proposals aim to keep UW funding stable, continuing a historical trend of governmental support for workforce development. Initiatives like the Washington Workforce Education Investment Act, which has generated over $2 billion in funding since 2019 to enhance higher education access, and the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, which has provided nearly $150 million in scholarships, underline this commitment. Notably, one-third of recipients of the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship attend UW.
Through the expanded partnership, Microsoft and UW will grant faculty, researchers, and students access to sophisticated computing capabilities to bolster AI training, experimentation, and research. Additionally, Microsoft is set to donate Azure cloud computing credits to expedite the development of a research cloud computing platform.
The companies will also introduce a “research marketplace” initiative, backed by Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, designed to connect UW faculty, visiting professors, and students with practical research opportunities at Microsoft. This initiative will create 10 new graduate student researcher positions each year, with eight through Microsoft Research and two within the AI for Good Lab.
Furthermore, the collaboration will enable undergraduate students to cultivate ethical judgment, digital citizenship, and leadership skills pertinent to emerging technologies, with a focus on AI. New programming through UW’s Continuum College, which caters to over 50,000 learners annually, will assist Washington residents in navigating workforce transitions influenced by AI. This programming will emphasize career resilience and the evolution of job demands in response to technological advancements.
Beginning this fall, the partnership will extend its efforts to Microsoft’s Redmond campus, fostering deeper connections between workforce education and applied learning. This initiative will facilitate the co-development of specific courses and learning experiences for Microsoft employees adapting to rapid changes driven by AI, while concurrently allowing UW students to learn alongside industry professionals, gaining valuable insights as part of their academic experiences. Further details regarding this initiative are expected to be released later this year.
Since his inauguration as UW’s 34th president in August 2025, Robert J. Jones has prioritized expanding educational access, setting a goal of making UW degrees debt-free for Washington undergraduates, cultivating transformative collaborations with business partners, and breaking down barriers between the University and the communities it serves.
“Our long-standing partnership with Microsoft demonstrates what’s possible when universities and industry come together to support students and our society, and we are grateful for their continued support. Together, we’re expanding students’ access to hands-on learning, advancing AI research and strengthening our workforce,” Jones stated. He emphasized that these new elements of the partnership further position UW and the state as leaders in educational access and innovative technology.
Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, noted, “President Jones has outlined a bold vision for the University of Washington, one that expands access and affordability in higher ed, forges radical partnerships and strengthens civic health. It’s essential that this vision includes broad access to AI technology and the skills to use it, so students, workers, and communities across Washington are prepared for this new era of computing and can share fully in its benefits.” He called for continued collaboration between industry, educational institutions, and policymakers to sustain the region’s economy and innovation climate.
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