
That’s one of the most important contributions that can be made, given that this is a state institution. “We need the state of Washington to move forward and make its contribution. “We hope by making this contribution not only to help jump start this fundraising effort, but do so in a way that encourages and perhaps even inspires others,” said Microsoft general counsel Brad Smith. That’s assuming the Washington Legislature delivers the public portion of the roughly $110 million project.

The Redmond, WA, company synonymous with the state’s tech industry pledged the cash to kick off a private fundraising campaign whose target would be about $78 million. The University of Washington’s plans for a new computer science building to accommodate surging interest from students-and the tech company employers who would hire them-is getting a $10 million boost from Microsoft.
