Minnesota Taps Free GenAI Through Microsoft Partnership

Employees in Minnesota’s executive branch are now able to use secure generative AI (GenAI) in their work, as the state is one of the first in the country to roll out Microsoft 365 Government Copilot Chat.

It’s coming at no cost to the state, as it’s part of its existing contract with Microsoft.

According to Microsoft, users of Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat can ask questions of their Microsoft 365 files, emails, chats and other data.

Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) is helping roll out the new tool this week to enhance productivity, streamline workflows and foster innovation while “ensuring compliance with Minnesota’s data protection policies.”

“This marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to empower state employees with AI, enabling them to work more efficiently while upholding the highest standards of data protection,” said Tarek Tomes, the state’s CIO and commissioner of MNIT, in a statement. “Our commitment to innovation goes hand in hand with our responsibility to safeguard Minnesotans' data, ensuring that AI is used securely and effectively to enhance public services.”

MNIT has highlighted Copilot Chat’s secure AI integration as well as enhanced productivity as key features of the new tool. The state believes the tool will be used to draft emails, summarize documents, manage meetings and brainstorm ideas.