Microsoft Elevate: Empowering People Through Insights and Skills

When we talk about AI's future, a key question emerges: Will AI replace us—or elevate us? Microsoft’s new initiative, Elevate, makes a clear bet on the latter. With a bold US$4 billion commitment over five years, Elevate aims to empower 20 million people worldwide with AI skills—and is anchored by deep research to guide its execution thoughtfully and inclusively. Let's dive into how this program weaves research and skilling into one transformative narrative.

A Think Tank at Its Core: The AI Economy Institute

At the heart of Elevate lies the AI Economy Institute, newly launched within Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab. Operative since January 2025, the Institute draws on the legacy of Microsoft Research to bridge innovation with societal impact .

Key research themes currently underway include:

• How generative AI can spark interdisciplinary innovation in academia.

• Policy gaps and adaptation needs in African higher education systems.

• Real-world labor market valuation of AI skills and micro‑credentials.

  
  

With rapid publication cycles and open collaboration, the Institute ensures that insights reach not only Microsoft teams—but also policymakers and the broader public. These insights directly shape Elevate’s training frameworks, partnerships, and policy liftoff—aiming to ensure AI economies are inclusive and equitable.

Skilling at Scale: The Elevate Academy

Parallel to the Institute’s research mission, the Elevate Academy is the skilling engine of the initiative.

• Ambitious Reach: In just two years, the Academy will help 20 million people earn in-demand AI credentials—ranging from foundational literacy to advanced technical capabilities.

• Integrated Delivery: Leveraging LinkedIn and GitHub, the Academy will deliver education and certification at scale. These platforms enable personalized, professional-stage learning paths across technical and career-oriented tracks.

• Diverse Partnerships: Elevate is built through rich collaboration:

  • Education nonprofits like Code.org (e.g., “Hour of AI” for students).

  • Labor groups such as the AFL‑CIO and the American Federation of Teachers—to embed AI training in union and apprenticeship programs.

  • Government entities, including regional partnerships like North Rhine‑Westphalia in Germany.

    
    

This multifaceted approach ensures that AI skills reach learners across geographies, professions, and backgrounds.

A Human-Centric Vision

Microsoft positions Elevate as a philanthropic consolidation—melding Microsoft Philanthropies and Tech for Social Impact into a single, impact-driven framework.

Brad Smith, Microsoft President, captured it poignantly during the program's launch:

“The goal isn’t to build machines that replace us—it’s to build machines that help us do more and do it better.” 

Moreover, Elevate leans into AI not just as tech, but as a catalyst for dignity, creativity, and opportunity. The program reflects Microsoft’s long-term perspective: success lies in democratizing skills, not merely advancing technology.

Why Research and Skilling Must Go Hand in Hand

Taken together, research and skilling make Elevate especially powerful:

1. Evidence-Based Design: The AI Economy Institute ensures that training modules address real workforce gaps and evolving labor trends.

2. Scalable Solutions: Insights guide content, while the Academy provides the infrastructure to deliver it globally.

3. Inclusive Reach: Research empowers identification of underserved populations; skilling gives them tools and credentials.

4. Policy Influence: Findings feed into public policy, further amplifying the program's impact.

Looking Ahead

Elevate signals Microsoft’s recognition that humans must shape how AI shapes our world. By fusing rigorous research with scalable skill-building, it's not just training—it’s building a pathway to an inclusive AI-enabled future.

In a world racing toward impressive models and futuristic breakthroughs, Elevate is a timely reminder: AI’s potential is only meaningful if people can access, understand, and responsibly wield it.

Key Highlights at a Glance

Component	What It Does
AI Economy Institute	Conducts global research on AI’s impact, labor value, and policy
Elevate Academy	Certifies 20 million learners via LinkedIn, GitHub, nonprofits, labor unions, and governments
$4 Billion Investment	Funds training, tools, policy frameworks, and nonprofit support over 5 years
Human-Centric Approach	Aims to empower—not replace—people through inclusive AI education

Read more about the announcement