Microsoft is going all-in on Wisconsin—and the numbers prove it. The tech giant just announced a second $4 billion data center in Mount Pleasant, bringing its total state investment to over $7 billion. What started last year with a $3.3 billion facility has now transformed into a full-fledged AI supercomputing hub, positioning Wisconsin as one of the fastest-emerging players in America’s AI infrastructure race.
Here’s the scale of what’s happening: Microsoft says these twin data centers will power what could become the most advanced AI supercomputer in the world, powered by NVIDIA GPUs to train next-gen AI models across industries. Racine County—nestled perfectly between Chicago and Milwaukee—is suddenly on the map as a cornerstone of AI innovation.
But this isn’t just a big tech flex. The investment will create 3,000 construction jobs during peak building and 800 permanent roles once complete. Microsoft is also thinking long-term: electricians, data technicians, and maintenance specialists will find lasting opportunities here.
Education and skills training are a big part of the plan too. Microsoft is teaming up with Gateway Technical College to launch Wisconsin’s first Datacenter Academy and working with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee on a new AI Co-Innovation Lab. Translation: local students and startups get to grow alongside the state’s new AI economy.
And yes—sustainability is in the mix. Microsoft’s closed-loop liquid cooling system will handle 90% of operations while keeping water use equivalent to that of a single restaurant. Pair that with solar project funding, and Wisconsin is getting a blend of green energy and next-level compute.
It’s also a redemption story. The same land once promised to Foxconn’s failed $10 billion project is now buzzing with new life. Instead of uncertainty, Microsoft is delivering real momentum, turning Racine County into a serious tech and innovation hotspot.
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