The Microsoft Research (MSR) division will invest $1.5 million over the next five years in a joint research program with the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, according to a Globes report.

“The center will finance and promote basic research in artificial intelligence, games theory, computer science, economics, and psychology, with a focus on the relations between them and their application in e-commerce,” said the Microsoft R&D Center in Israel.

According to the report, Microsoft Israel hopes collaboration with the Technion will result in breakthroughs in e-commerce, online advertising and the use of cloud computing and social networks for commercial purposes.

Microsoft has been active in Israel for many years. The new project will include dozens of researchers.