Introduction

Founded in 2006, the Microsoft Asia Pacific R&D Group (APRD) is an integral part of Microsoft’s global research and development network. Its scope spans fundamental research, technology incubation, product development, and ecosystem collaboration. Guided by a vision of fostering an open, innovative, and win-win environment, the Group plays an active role in driving technological innovation and economic growth across both academic and industrial sectors in the Greater China region and the wider Asia Pacific. It continues to push the frontiers of computer science, applying its latest R&D breakthroughs to core products and services for users and developers worldwide, advancing the information technology industry, and empowering individuals and organizations to realize their full potential.

Group Mission

The APRD Group pursues three core missions: First, to serve as a key global hub for Microsoft in fundamental research, technological innovation, and product development. Second, to deeply tap into the emerging market demands of the region, conducting highly localized R&D tailored to unique application models. Third, to extend these technologies and products to other parts of the world, sharing innovations on a global scale.

Areas of Innovation

The APRD Group continues to advance the frontiers of computer science, with a strong focus on next-generation, transformative technologies. Its research spans artificial intelligence, cloud and edge computing, big data and knowledge mining, fundamental computer science, natural user interfaces, and intelligent multimedia. These innovations power a wide range of Microsoft’s flagship products and platforms, including Microsoft Copilot, AI Platform, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, Windows, Bing Search, Microsoft Edge, online advertising platforms, big data platforms, Visual Studio, Microsoft Translator, Surface, and Xbox.

Fundamental Research

Fundamental research represents a long-term strategic investment. The APRD Group is committed to exploring the future directions of technology and industry, driving breakthroughs and advancements in core technologies, and providing solid support for multiple key research areas. Its work has a profound impact on the innovation path of Microsoft’s global products and platforms, with the ultimate goal of continually enhancing the computing experience for billions of users around the world.

Technology Incubation

Technology incubation serves as a vital bridge between fundamental research and product development. We take a user-centric approach to uncover market opportunities driven by technology integration, continuously incubating innovative products and services. At the same time, we deliver key technologies and essential features to Microsoft’s core products, enabling locally developed innovations to scale globally. This fosters deep integration between technological innovation and localized development.

Product Development

The APRD Group continues to strengthen its innovation capabilities, actively exploring emerging technologies, launching new product features, and examining cutting-edge business models. By integrating world-class product development expertise with local practices, the Group fosters greater autonomy in technology and product innovation, building a complete innovation chain from technological breakthroughs to products realization. Through close collaboration with partners, it develops future-oriented hardware and software solutions that fully empower regional digital transformation and industrial upgrading.

Ecosystem Collaboration

The APRD Group is committed to cultivating an open and collaborative innovation ecosystem, fostering long-term, trust-based partnerships with academia and industry. Through strategic investment, licensing, collaborative R&D, software outsourcing, and talent development. Together, these efforts create a mutually beneficial industrial ecosystem, driving the sustained advancement of the information industry in Greater China and across AsiaPacific region.