Platform X: Create a Project in Azure AI Foundry (Using an Existing Foundry Resource)
Azure AI Foundry allows users to organize AI workloads into “Projects.” However, the default Azure UI tries to create a new AI Foundry resource every time, even if a user is already working inside an existing Foundry. This can lead to permission errors or accidental creation of new resources (blocked by SMPH governance).
This article explains the correct method for creating a Project inside an existing Azure AI Foundry resource.
When to Use This Guide:
Use these steps when:
- You already have an Azure AI Foundry resource provisioned
- You want to create a new Project inside that Foundry
- You want to avoid creating a new Foundry resource
Important Notes
- Azure's default workflow attempts to create a new Foundry (blocked for most users)
- You may see a permissions error due to restricted creation rights
- The "Azure AI Foundry resource" field is free-form text which can be confusion
Step-by-Step Instructions: Create a Project inside an Existing Foundry
- Log into a Platform Virtual Machine enabled for AI
- Open Azure AI Foundry (Microsoft Foundry)
- Go to https://ai.azure.com
- Sign in with your Azure credentials
- In the left navigation, click More > Management center
- Select your existing Foundry resource
- Ex. aisvcs-px-ai-services-ncus-stg
- Click New project & Name your project
- This automatically creates the Project inside the Foundry.
- Your new project can be located in the Foundry resources under which it was created
Why This Works
Creating a project through the Management Center bypasses the workflow that attempts to provision a new Foundry resource.
Troubleshooting
- Permission denied: Expected if using the default workflow.
- Foundry not visible: You may need access added.
- New project button greyed out: Access limitations.