Waterloo, Ontario Dec 18, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - The University of Waterloo’s executive education platform, WatSPEED, has announced the launch of its new Chief Technology and AI Officer (AI-CTO) program a six-month, immersive online program designed for senior technology leaders aiming to drive measurable business value through AI and modern technology.
The program is designed and delivered by Waterloo’s renowned faculty in partnership with global industry experts. It blends deep technical knowledge of AI with business strategy, financial decision-making, organizational change and responsible governance. Enrolment services and learner support will be managed by upGrad, a global education company offering programs from short certifications to doctoral degrees, under Waterloo’s academic governance.
“AI is no longer an experimental concept, it is now embedded across enterprises globally,” said Myleeta AgaWilliams, CEO, International Consumer Business, upGrad. “Organizations need technology leaders who can unify technical depth with business leadership. This partnership with Waterloo is designed to help technologists transition from problem solvers to enterprise-level influencers.”
“As complexity increases across digital ecosystems, tomorrow’s CTOs must balance engineering excellence with executive communication,” said Aaron Pereira, Executive Director, WatSPEED. “This program showcases Waterloo’s expertise in AI and systems engineering while bringing it to a worldwide professional audience.”
Shaping enterprise-ready AI leaders
The AI-CTO program is built for senior technology executives—including CTOs, CIOs, CDOs, CAIOs and their core leadership teams who want to step into strategic, board-level leadership roles. Over a span of 25 weeks, participants engage in a structured learning experience that combines business leadership, emerging technologies and applied strategy.
The journey begins with building commercial and financial fluency, enabling participants to align technology investments with business growth, ROI and organizational goals. Learners then gain hands-on expertise in modern platforms such as cloud systems, MLOps, FinOps and ethical AI deployment. The program also prepares leaders for high-level decision-making, transformation leadership and M&A strategy.
In the final phase, participants take part in advanced simulation exercises that replicate real-world executive pressures, forcing rapid strategic decision-making and crisis response. Graduates receive a University of Waterloo certificate and multiple executive-ready deliverables, including a 90-day CTO strategy, AI investment blueprint and enterprise transformation roadmap.
“Our learners earn a globally respected certificate backed by Waterloo’s academic rigour,” said Jean-Paul Mouton, Associate Director, Strategic Partnerships and Global Growth, WatSPEED. “Our aim is to bring Waterloo’s innovation-driven approach to leaders across the world.”
Jaitali Dedhia, AVP, University Partnerships, upGrad, added, “This collaboration reflects how higher education and industry can jointly build leaders for the AI era. The AI-CTO program enables senior executives worldwide to translate AI into scalable business success.”
The AI-CTO program is uniquely positioned through its hands-on learning model that integrates boardroom simulations, leadership laboratories and enterprise decision scenarios. Developed in partnership with industry practitioners, the program ensures leaders not only understand AI technologies but also know how to govern and scale them responsibly.
About WatSPEED
WatSPEED is the professional and executive education platform of the University of Waterloo, offering technology-driven, business-focused learning programs for global professionals.
About upGrad
upGrad is a global skilling and education company founded in 2015, delivering online and hybrid programs to millions of learners worldwide through partnerships with top universities and industry leaders.
Source: University of Waterloo
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