About Microsoft Unlimited Potential

Microsoft began with the vision of a computer on every desk and in every home. Thirty years ago this seemed impossible. Today, for the more than 1 billion people who have access to technology, life has changed profoundly: Information is more readily available, connections are more easily made, and commercial trade is more efficient and accessible. For the more than 5 billion people who still do not have access to the technology that brings new opportunities to learn, connect, create, and prosper, there is still much to accomplish.

The Microsoft mission: Enable sustained social and economic opportunity for another 5 billion people

Microsoft Unlimited Potential aligns Microsoft technologies, partnerships, business, and corporate citizenship efforts to bring the benefits of information and communications technology to the 5 billion people who currently do not have access to it. With Unlimited Potential, Microsoft is committed to helping all people benefit from information and communications technology that is accessible, affordable, and relevant to their needs. Setting an initial goal of reaching 1 billion people by 2015, Microsoft is partnering with governments, industry partners, nongovernmental organizations, educators, and academics to enable new avenues of social and economic empowerment for the underserved populations of the world.

With particular emphasis on young people, who represent the future of our communities, Microsoft is focusing its efforts on delivering solutions in three key, interrelated areas: transforming education, fostering local innovation, and enabling jobs and opportunities.

In Europe, Microsoft and its partners are working to reach at least 20 million people by 2010.

Transforming Education

Across Europe, Microsoft makes significant investments to support teachers and students in using technology to maximize their learning experiences. The Partners in Learning program and the European network of IT Academies are providing training courses for teachers and helping many students achieve certification in Microsoft technology, enhancing their employability across the IT services sector.

Fostering Local Innovation

In Europe, Microsoft supports a number of programs to help entrepreneurs establish and build new and small businesses. The European Union Grants Advisor (EUGA) helps increase SMEs' awareness of, and access to, dedicated EU funds. The Microsoft IP Ventures program spins out and licenses Microsoft Research technology to entrepreneurs and companies to foster innovation and new product development. And Microsoft has launched a series of Entrepreneurship Forums in close collaboration with universities across Europe. These forums spotlight great role models, mentors, and support programs with the goal of inspiring more young people about business and social entrepreneurship.

Enabling Jobs and Opportunities

Across Europe, Microsoft is committed to working in partnerships to support 21st Century Skills for Employability, especially for people marginalized from the modern economy by age, gender, disability, or background. Since 2003, the Microsoft Unlimited Potential-Community Technology Skills Program has partnered with more than 400 nongovernmental organizations and supported 10,000 Community Technology Centers (CTCs) across the European Union. The Students to Business (S2B) program, piloted in Italy and now in place in 28 European countries, is designed to connect Microsoft partners and customers with qualified students for entry-level and internship positions.