As Microsoft celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company reflects on its transformative role in the evolution of artificial intelligence. From the early days of MS-DOS and Windows, which revolutionized personal computing, to gaming innovation of Xbox, the future of cloud computing with Azure, AI transformation with Copilot and the latest breakthrough in quantum computing, the Majorana 1 chip, Microsoft has consistently been at the forefront of technological progress.
Today, Microsoft leads the Intelligent Age with a trusted AI platform, advanced tools, and global expertise, empowering individuals and organizations worldwide to achieve more through collaboration and innovation.
Microsoft has maintained a consistent presence in Europe for four decades. Over the past 16 months alone, the company has invested more than €20 billion in AI and cloud infrastructure in Europe, enabling Microsoft’s customers and partners to drive economic success in the region and foster innovation and growth.
Microsoft’s Vision for AI in the Adriatic Region
As the company celebrates its milestone, its focus in the Adriatic region is on what comes next.
“Our priority remains supporting customers and partners across the Adriatic in driving AI transformation with cutting-edge technology,” said Kalin Dimtchev, Country Manager for Microsoft Adriatic. “Forward-thinking governments, businesses, and organisations are already leveraging AI to boost productivity and economic growth. By ensuring AI is inclusive, secure and locally relevant, we are helping shape a more innovative and competitive future for the Adriatic region.”
In a region renowned for its talent and adaptability, the responsible use of AI is unlocking new value across public services, education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. With 30 years of regional presence, a strong partner ecosystem, and world-class expertise, Microsoft is well positioned to support this transformation through trusted technology, capacity building, and a security-first approach.
Building on Local Strengths
The AI opportunity in the Adriatic is already a reality. Microsoft, in collaboration with public and private sector organizations, is driving real solutions to real challenges.
LAQO has become first Croatian first fully digital insurance company with AI assistant, developed by Infobip. The Office for IT and e-Government in Serbia uses Microsoft Security Copilot to resolve cybersecurity incidents 30% faster, while Neuroblast startup is transforming neurorehabilitation with Microsoft AI tools, creating interactive rehabilitation devices. Zavarovalnica Triglav, a leading insurance and financial group in Slovenia, has modernized customer service with AI-driven automation. Verne, a company developing a new innovative concept of urban autonomous mobility, streamlined its complex data landscape by integrating over 10 data sources with Microsoft Fabric. Automated reporting has already reduced reporting time by 20%.
Bulgarian Paysafe, a global payments platform, has improved its daily operations by implementing Microsoft 365 Copilot. The Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science has made significant strides in digitalization, and AI guidance implementation in education, with more than 700,000 students and 70,000 teachers receiving Microsoft 365 licences. Employees at OTP Bank and NLB Bank in the financial sector, along with healthcare professionals at Hemofarm, early adopters of Microsoft 365 Copilot, are streamlining workflows, automating repetitive tasks, and dedicating more time to complex problem-solving.
By making Microsoft 365 Copilot’s AI capabilities available in local languagesdata-contrast="auto">—including Bulgarian, Croatian, Serbian, and Slovenian—Microsoft is ensuring that AI tools are accessible, useful, and relevant for communities across the region. Copilot was recently updated to include enhanced memory and personalization, taking action on user’s behalf and conducting multi-step research tasks more efficiently with Deep Research.
Enhancing Resilience and Driving Economic Growth
As Europe faces multiple challenges alongside growing digital demands, AI is key to resilience and growth. With increasing needs for cybersecurity and data governance, Microsoft is committed to providing secure, AI-driven solutions that support the region’s digital economy. Within the Azure AI Foundry that recently got new capabilities company provides developers access to over 1,800 foundation models from OpenAI, Meta, Mistral, DeepSeek and others. It also supports startups and ISVs in innovating locally and scaling globally within Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub.
Microsoft is supporting AI skills development. In Europe, over 2.9 million people have already gained digital capabilities through Microsoft programs, with a goal to reach 8 million by 2025. Additionally, regional initiatives include hackathons, AI Skills 4 Women programs are being developed in partnership with Founderz, AI Skills Fest initiative and Free AI learning tools via LinkedIn Learning and Microsoft Learn are available to anyone, anywhere.
Supporting Government and Public Sector Transformation
“Governments that embrace AI not only enhance their own efficiency but also set the pace for businesses to innovate,” said Kalin Dimtchev. “By leading with AI-driven transformation, public institutions can create a ripple effect that modernizes entire industries, ensuring long-term economic growth and digital resilience.”
These efforts are powered by local talent. The Microsoft Development Center Serbia (MDCS) has become a key engineering hub in the region, with diverse profile of talents, working also to the development of Microsoft Copilot. Microsoft Garage, recently opened in Serbia, is set to become a hub for cultivating innovation, fostering collaboration with academia, NGOs, and research institutions. Dream Space Bulgaria is the first Microsoft K-12 educational AI hub in the region that offers extensive training programs for students and teachers, focusing on digital competencies and integrating technology into teaching methods. Since opening in 2022, it trained more than 2,200 K-12 teachers and principals, 10,000 K-12 students and 1,400 university students and organized 453 workshops, with ambition to expand its benefits across Adriatic region in the future.
Looking Ahead: AI adoption, skilling and investing in talents
Microsoft remains committed to ensuring that AI, becoming a General-Purpose Technology (GPT), benefits everyone. With continued investments in infrastructure, innovation, and talent, the company is helping to build an AI economy rooted in European values such as privacy, transparency, and security.
“To capitalize on the transformative potential of AI now is the time for leaders in the Adriatic region to act. By prioritizing digital skills, fostering SMEs AI adoption, and investing in ICT talent, we can unlock new economic opportunities and ensure a future-ready workforce.” concluded Kalin Dimtchev.
Together with the strong partner ecosystem, Microsoft remains committed to driving this change through innovation, collaboration, and strategic investments in the Adriatic region.
Explore more: Microsoft celebrates 50 years – executive’s quotes, photos, key milestones timeline and more materials.
