Microsoft, a leader in the tech industry, has initiated a new extension to their $125M AI for Good program. The company aims to use artificial intelligence as a way to preserve cultural heritage. According to an announcement made by Microsoft President Brad Smith, "We want technology to advance, but we all want, and should want, to preserve timeless values around the world." Microsoft has teamed up with two French companies, HoloForge Interactive and Iconem. 

Both specializing in 3D digital renderings to help recreate photo-realistic models of historic cultural sites, this new collaboration is exploring interactive experiences with 3D model making. 

By preserving these sites, new opportunities for cultural exchange and interaction grow. Iconem's co-founder Yves Ubelmann shares, "3D digital models will allow people to travel not only through space but also in time because they'll effectively be able to walk through environments that no longer exist. Digital technologies today allow us to reconnect with these pieces of history." 

Through Microsoft's new collaborative partners, the teams have created a digitized 3D relief map of Mont-Saint-Michel for an exhibit at the Musée des Plans-Reliefs in Paris, France. Visitors can wear Microsoft's HoloLens augmented reality headset and experience a 15 to 20 minute digital tour of the site. According to Smith, "This exhibition is an important step in providing access to a new generation of people while promoting a greater understanding of French history and culture around the world."

The company aims to rebuild technology's relationship with history. Instead of pitting these two entities against one another, Microsoft hopes to use this new program initiative as a way to preserve these sites and share their stories.