WatSPEED, the executive learning division of the University of Waterloo, has announced its new Chief Technology and AI Officer (AI-CTO) program—a six-month live-online executive program for senior technology professionals aiming to lead enterprise-wide AI transformation.

The program is designed by Waterloo’s faculty and supported by global industry leaders, combining advanced AI education with finance, business strategy, organizational change, and responsible governance. upGrad, a global higher-education platform offering programs from certifications to doctoral degrees, manages enrolment and learner services under Waterloo’s academic oversight.

“Artificial intelligence is now a core driver of enterprise operations,” said Myleeta AgaWilliams, CEO, International Consumer Business, upGrad. “Organizations need leaders who can match technical expertise with strategic business insight. This collaboration with Waterloo helps bridge that gap and prepares leaders to deliver sustained business value through AI.”

Aaron Pereira, Executive Director, WatSPEED, added, “The role of the CTO is rapidly evolving. Today’s leaders must combine engineering excellence with executive-level influence. This program reflects Waterloo’s leadership in AI, systems engineering, and entrepreneurship, delivered to professionals globally.”

Developing Strategic AI Leadership

The AI-CTO program is designed for senior technology leaders—including CTOs, CIOs, CDOs, CAIOs, and their leadership teams—who want to progress from operational leadership to strategic enterprise influence. Spanning 25 weeks, it offers a structured blend of business strategy, technology mastery, and applied leadership training.

Participants start by enhancing commercial and financial understanding, connecting technology investments to business results. They then gain hands-on expertise in cloud computing, MLOps, FinOps, and ethical AI frameworks. The program further prepares leaders to manage enterprise transformation, mergers and acquisitions, and board-level communication.

The learning experience concludes with advanced simulations where participants respond to real-world leadership challenges under pressure. Graduates receive a University of Waterloo certificate along with practical executive tools, including a 90-day CTO roadmap, AI investment analysis, and digital transformation playbooks.

“Participants earn a globally respected certificate powered by Waterloo’s academic excellence and delivered through an internationally scalable partnership,” said Jean-Paul Mouton, Associate Director, Strategic Partnerships and Global Growth, WatSPEED.

Jaitali Dedhia, AVP, University Partnerships, upGrad, added, “This partnership reflects how institutions and industry can co-create solutions for future leadership challenges. The AI-CTO program gives senior leaders a clear pathway to turn AI into consistent business growth.”

What differentiates this program is its practical learning model—featuring executive-level simulations, cross-functional strategy labs, and enterprise decision frameworks. The curriculum ensures leaders don’t just learn AI technologies but also develop the capability to scale and govern them responsibly.

About WatSPEED
WatSPEED is the professional and executive education hub of the University of Waterloo, delivering future-focused learning experiences that connect technology innovation with business leadership.

About upGrad
Founded in 2015, upGrad is a global learning company offering online and hybrid skilling programs to professionals worldwide, in collaboration with leading universities and industry partners.

Source: University of Waterloo: https://uwaterloo.ca/news/university-waterloo-launches-ai-cto-program
upGrad: https://www.upgrad.com/