AI-led yield, energy, and maintenance optimization across 50+ models in blast furnaces and mills.
IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals - Leadership for an AI-First World
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TypeCertificate
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Start DateSeptember 30, 2026
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Duration6 Months
- #69 globally (FT) and #3 Management in India (NIRF)
IIM Kozhikode: Legacy That Nurtures Excellence
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A Premier IIM Institution: Established in 1996, IIM Kozhikode is one of India’s leading management institutes, known for academic excellence, innovation, and its strong focus on developing future-ready professionals.
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Top-Ranked in India & Globally Recognized: Ranked 3rd in India’s top B-schools by NIRF, IIM Kozhikode is consistently recognized for its academic rigor, industry relevance, and global outlook.
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Driving Real-World Business Impact : With a strong emphasis on practical learning, leadership development, and industry integration, IIM Kozhikode prepares professionals to solve complex business challenges and drive meaningful impact.
Designed for Business Leaders Using AI to Drive Decisions and Outcomes
No coding required. Built for business leaders.
Business Leaders, Product, Strategy & Growth Leaders
Responsible for business outcomes, team performance, and strategic decisions, looking to lead AI adoption to drive efficiency and growth
Functional Leaders - Marketing, Finance, Operations, HR, Sales
Leaders across functions who want to integrate AI into core workflows, decision-making, and business execution
Consultants & Client Professionals
Those looking to apply AI-driven solutions in client engagements, business problem-solving, and strategic advisory - to add tangible, differentiated value
Business & Strategy Professionals
Influence business direction and planning -looking to leverage AI for insights, decision-making, and organizational impact
Most AI programmes teach concepts. This one prepares leaders how to act on them.
90 hrs Blended & Flexible learning
Learn from IIMK faculty & active CXOs
IIMK AI Immersion & Networking
Senior leadership cohort
GenAI & Agentic AI integrated
Enterprise AI Strategy & Execution
Certification: IIM Kozhikode
Credential from India's #3 ranked IIM, NIRF 2026
- Assessment Approach: Participants are evaluated through continuous assessments, including quizzes, course-level evaluations, and applied projects designed to reinforce learning and real-world application.
- Weightage Distribution: Capstone Project and Graded course-level assessments.
- Certification: IIM Kozhikode will award a Certificate of Successful Completion to participants who will successfully complete all the programme modules and assesments.
Your 26-Week Journey to Leading AI - From Opportunity to Impact
Programming Languages and Tools Covered
AI in Action: Enterprise Case Studies That Define AI-First Transformation
*Case studies are indicative and may change. All product and company names are trademarks of their owners; use does not imply affiliation or endorsement.
AI in Operations
AI-led yield, energy, and maintenance optimization across 50+ models in blast furnaces and mills.

AI in Marketing
Content production for 400+ brands across 190 countries: slow and expensive.
Content production for 400+ brands across 190 countries: slow and expensive.

AI in Customer Service

AI in BFSI

AI in Manufacturing

The Complete Curriculum
What you will lead - not just learn
Topics Covered
- Course 1: The AI Landscape - From Rules to Intelligence
- Course 2: Machine Learning in Business - Proven Applications
- Course 3: Data as the Foundation
- Workshops: AI Use Case Identification Workshop: Mapping business problems to AI solution types
- Workshops: Data Readiness Reality Check: Assessing your organization's data maturity
- Deliverables: (AI Dossier Chapter 1 - AI Opportunity Scan): Wk1 -AI Technology Decision Tree · Wk 2 → ML Use Case Mapping (your org) · Wk 3 → Data Readiness Scorecard · Wk 4 → Integrated Opportunity Scan
Topics Covered
- Course 1: Large Language Models - How They Work and Why It Matters
- Course 2: Multimodal AI - Beyond Text
- Course 3: Agentic AI - From Copilots to Autonomous Systems
- Course 4: Vendor Landscape and Risk Management
- Workshops: GenAI Security Deep-Dive: Key security considerations and risk management approaches in GenAI systems
- Workshops: Vendor Evaluation Workshop: Structured approaches for evaluating AI vendors and making informed selection decisions
- Deliverables: (AI Dossier Chapter 2 - Technology Assessment): Wk 5 → LLM Evaluation Matrix (your use cases) · Wk 6 → Multimodal AI Applicability Map · Wk 7 → Agentic AI Use Case Identification · Wk 8 → Vendor Evaluation Scorecard
Topics Covered
- Course 1: Organizational AI Maturity Assessment
- Course 2: Find the highest-value AI opportunities across function - Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations, etc.- 20+ Use Cases That Drive Value
- Course 3: Competitive Intelligence and Workforce Strategy
- Workshops: AI Maturity Self-Assessment Workshop: Structured approach to assess organizational AI readiness and identify key improvement areas
- Workshops: Opportunity Portfolio and Workforce Mapping: Framework to identify, prioritize, and align AI opportunities with business goals and workforce impact
- Deliverables: (AI Dossier Chapter 3 - Opportunity Portfolio): Wk 9 → AI Readiness Self-Assessment · Wk 10 → Functional Use Case Portfolio · Wk 11 → Competitive AI Landscape Scan · Wk 12 → Opportunity Prioritization Matrix
Topics Covered
- Course 1: Strategic Planning and Business Case Development
- Course 2: Governance and Responsible AI
- Course 3: Regulatory Compliance and Architecture Decisions
- Workshops: Business Case Development Lab: Structured approach to build and validate a robust business case for AI initiatives
- Workshops: Governance Framework Design: Designing governance structures and responsible AI practices for effective oversight
- Deliverables: (AI Dossier Chapter 4 - Strategy & Governance Framework): Wk 13 → AI Business Case (financial model) · Wk 14 → Governance Operating Model · Wk 15 → Regulatory Risk Assessment & Compliance Checklist · Wk 16 → Integrated Strategy & Governance Plan
Topics Covered
- Course 1: Pilot Design and Execution
- Course 2: Prompt Engineering and RAG
- Course 3: Agentic Implementation and AI Product Management
- Workshops: Pilot Kickoff Workshop: Guidance on planning, scoping, and initiating AI pilot projects effectively
- Workshops: Prompt Engineering Lab: Practical introduction to designing and refining prompts for real-world AI applications
- Deliverables: (AI Dossier Chapter 5 - Pilot Results & Lessons Learned): Wk 17 → Pilot Scope & ToImplementationol Selection · Wk 18 → Core Build & · Wk 19 → Testing, Feedback & Iteration · Wk 20 → Pilot Results Documentation
Topics Covered
- Course 1: Performance Measurement and Value Demonstration
- Course 2: Stakeholder Communication and Scaling Decisions
- Course 3: Production Scaling and Organizational Transformation
- Workshops: ROI Presentation Lab: Document outcomes and communicate the value of AI initiatives effectively
- Workshops: Scaling Strategy Workshop: Framework for planning the scale-up of AI initiatives with the right operating model and adoption approach
- Deliverables: (AI Dossier Chapter 6 - Scaling Strategy) Wk 21 → ROI Analysis & Metrics Framework · Wk 22 → Executive Stakeholder Deck · Wk 23 → Production Scaling Plan (incl. FinOps) · Wk 24 → Change Mgmt & Adoption Playbook
Topics
- Capstone Kickoff and Structure Review
- Strategy Document Workshop
- Presentation Dry Run with Executive Panel
- Final Preparation and Submission
- Deliverables: AI Strategy Document and Executive Presentation
Experts Shaping the Programme
Krishnan TN

Prof. Mohammed Abdulla

Dr. Aniket Mhala

Srikanta Mukherjee
Sandeep K
2-day IIM Kozhikode Campus Immersion: Where strategy meets the people who execute it
Immersion Highlights
- Leadership cohort networking - The relationships built across industries, functions and organisations
- Faculty & Industry Masterclasses - Learn from top experts
- Leadership Capstone Presentation - Present your AI solution to an industry panel
- AI Strategy Case Competition - Solve a live business challenge in teams
- Governance Crisis Simulation - Respond to a live AI incident under time pressure
AI Leadership outcomes: What you will be able to do as a leader
Own AI strategy for your function or business
Lead AI transformation initiatives from pilot to scale
Evaluate and challenge vendor AI claims
Make smarter & faster decisions using the right AI tools
Build and lead AI-ready talent your organization needs
Govern AI ethically and responsibly while building board-level trust
We will be there right through your learning journey
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Learning Experience
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Support & Assistance
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Career Support
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Networking & Peer Learning
Learning Experience
- Videos from top faculty and world-class industry experts
- Industry-oriented projects for real AI & ML exposure
- Live interventions from experts
- Real time doubt clearing sessions
Support & Assistance
- Telegram channel for learner communication
- Query assistance when you’re stuck anywhere
- Learning experience and completion support
- Discussion forum to resolve doubts and learn from peers
Career Support
- 1-1 Career Coaching
- Career preparation modules
- AI-powered Profile builder
- High-impact networking events
- Just-in-time mock interviews
- Post-program career support
Networking & Peer Learning
- Online discussion forum to get doubts clarified
- Network and collaborate with peers
TUITION FEE
Program Tuition
TUITION FEEProgram Tuition$768 USD/month after merit scholarshipPay as You Progress$768/month30 equal monthly installments • no interestUpfront Payment$20,727One-time • up to 10% additional fee waiverMost candidates receive a merit scholarship on the $65,800 program fee — you'll know your exact amount before you commit. Less than one year's tuition at a traditional MBA, for a terminal doctoral degree.
Eligibility
Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3 years of work experience.
Submit Application
Receive Offer Letter
Reserve Your Seat
AI Has Already Changed Business.
Most Professionals and Most Courses Haven’t Caught Up.
CRITERIA
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Too Technical to Apply
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Too Theoretical to Use
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Tool Overload Without Clarity
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No Domain Relevance
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No Clear Outcome
IIM Kozhikode Programme
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Built for business professionals - no coding, practical and accessible
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Hands-on, application-driven learning in real business contexts
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Structured approach - learn what to use, when, and how
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Domain-specific learning across Marketing, Finance, Ops, HR, etc.
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Apply and deploy AI in your own role or domain to drive measurable business impact
Other Courses
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Built for engineers - heavy coding, ML, and technical depth
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Concepts and frameworks without real application
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Exposure to multiple tools without knowing when or why to use them
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Generic content not aligned to your function or role
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Ends with knowledge, not real capability
What is the IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Programme?
The IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Programme is an executive certification designed for professionals who want to lead AI-driven business transformation using Generative AI and Agentic AI strategies. Offered by Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode in collaboration with upGrad, this programme helps working professionals understand how AI can improve business strategy, decision-making, innovation, and operational efficiency across industries.
The programme focuses on practical AI adoption for business environments, enabling learners to combine strategic leadership with modern AI capabilities such as Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), AI automation, and Agentic AI systems.
Through industry-focused learning modules, case studies, hands-on exercises, and business applications, participants learn how to integrate AI into real-world organizational workflows and lead enterprise AI initiatives confidently.
Program Highlights
- Duration: 6 Months
- Certification: Professional Certificate from Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode
- Learning Mode: Online with live sessions and industry-led learning
- AI Focus Areas: Generative AI, Agentic AI, AI Strategy, Business Transformation
- Tools Covered: ChatGPT, Claude, LangChain Multimodal AI, Autonomous agents, AI productivity tools, LLM applications, and enterprise AI frameworks
- Business Applications: AI strategy across Finance, Marketing, Operations, HR, Sales, and Technology
- Capstone Learning: Real-world business AI projects and strategic case studies
- Executive Learning Experience: Learn from leading academic experts and AI practitioners
Who Should Enroll in the IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Programme?
The IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Programme is ideal for professionals who want to understand and apply AI strategically within business environments. The programme is designed for leaders, managers, consultants, and professionals looking to drive AI-powered innovation without needing deep coding expertise.
Whether you are leading digital transformation initiatives, managing products, optimizing operations, or building AI-led strategies, this programme equips you with practical business-focused AI knowledge.
Ideal Learners
- Business Leaders & Executives: Learn how to align AI adoption with organizational growth and innovation.
- Product Managers: Use Generative AI and Agentic AI frameworks to improve product strategy and customer experience.
- Consultants & Strategy Professionals: Develop AI-driven business solutions for modern enterprises.
- Marketing & Operations Managers: Automate workflows and improve decision-making using AI tools.
- Entrepreneurs & Startup Founders: Build AI-first business models and scalable automation systems.
- Technology Professionals: Understand the strategic implementation of AI across enterprise ecosystems.
What Will You Learn in the IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Programme?
The Strategic AI for Business Professionals programme helps learners understand how modern AI technologies can solve business challenges, improve efficiency, and create competitive advantages. The curriculum combines business strategy with practical AI implementation, enabling professionals to confidently lead AI initiatives across industries.
Participants gain hands-on exposure to Generative AI applications, Agentic AI systems, AI-powered automation, and strategic frameworks that support enterprise transformation.
Key Learning Outcomes
- Understand the fundamentals of AI, Machine Learning, Generative AI, and Agentic AI.
- Learn how Large Language Models (LLMs) are transforming business operations and decision-making.
- Use Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and AI copilots for productivity, communication, and workflow automation.
- Explore Agentic AI systems that can reason, plan, and execute tasks autonomously.
- Develop AI-led business strategies for innovation, customer engagement, and operational efficiency.
- Build frameworks for responsible AI governance, compliance, and ethical AI adoption.
- Analyze AI use cases across industries such as Finance, Sales, Operations, Manufacturing, and Technology.
- Apply AI concepts through case studies, strategic simulations, and capstone projects.
Why Choose the IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Program?
The IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Programme is different from other executive education programs. Unlike other programs that focus mainly on the technical aspects of AI, the IIM Kozhikode programme provides business professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to leverage AI to create strategic value for their organisations.
This program will provide participants with the tools necessary to lead an organisation's AI transformation initiative, improve their organisation's decision-making processes, and build AI-based business models utilising contemporary Generative and Agentic AI technologies.
Program Benefits
- Strategic AI Leadership: Learn how to lead AI adoption across departments and business functions.
- Business-Focused AI Learning: Understand AI applications from a management and decision-making perspective.
- Generative AI & Agentic AI Exposure: Explore the latest advancements shaping the future of enterprise AI.
- Practical Case Studies: Solve real-world business problems using AI-powered approaches.
- Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Learn AI concepts that align with current enterprise and market needs.
- Executive Credential: Earn a professional certificate from Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with experienced professionals, business leaders, and AI practitioners.
- Future-Ready Skills: Build expertise in AI strategy, automation, and digital transformation.
Certification & Recognition: Earn a Prestigious AI Leadership Credential
The IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Programme provides learners with a respected executive certification that validates their understanding of AI strategy, Generative AI, and business transformation.
The certification demonstrates your ability to apply AI concepts strategically in real-world business environments and lead AI-powered innovation initiatives.
You’ll Receive
- Professional Certificate from Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode
- Executive learning experience from one of India’s leading management institutions
- Recognition for strategic AI and Generative AI expertise
- Industry-relevant knowledge in AI for Business Professionals and enterprise AI leadership
Is the IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Program Worth It?
The Strategic AI for Business Professionals programme is highly valuable for professionals looking to stay competitive in an AI-driven business landscape. As organizations increasingly adopt Generative AI and intelligent automation, leaders with AI strategy expertise are becoming essential across industries.
This programme helps professionals move beyond theoretical AI concepts and understand how to implement AI effectively for business growth, innovation, and operational transformation.
Here’s Why the Program is Worth It
- Learn practical AI applications tailored for business leaders and professionals.
- Gain exposure to Generative AI and Agentic AI strategies shaping modern enterprises.
- Build future-ready leadership skills in AI-driven decision-making and innovation.
- Learn directly from academic experts and industry practitioners.
- Understand how to integrate AI into business strategy, operations, and customer experience.
- Earn a recognized credential from Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode.
What Are the Career Opportunities After the Strategic AI for Business Professionals Program?
Once you have completed the IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Program, then professionals can take on leadership and strategy-focused roles where AI expertise is very important.
The programme makes learners ready to lead AI initiatives, manage digital transformation projects, and guide organizations through AI adoption strategies across multiple industries.
Popular Career Paths After the Program
- AI Strategy Consultant
- AI Product Manager
- Business Transformation Leader
- Innovation Manager
- Digital Strategy Consultant
Industries Hiring AI for Business Professionals
Professionals with expertise in Strategic AI for Business Professionals are increasingly in demand across industries adopting AI-led transformation initiatives.
Top Industries Using AI Leadership Skills
- BFSI: AI-driven risk analysis, fraud prevention, and intelligent automation.
- Retail & E-commerce: Personalization, customer analytics, and AI-powered recommendations.
- Healthcare: Predictive analytics, operational optimization, and patient engagement systems.
- Technology & SaaS: AI product innovation and intelligent workflow automation.
- Manufacturing: Predictive maintenance and AI-powered supply chain optimization.
- Consulting: AI transformation strategy and enterprise AI implementation.
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Media & Marketing: Generative AI content systems and audience intelligence.
Which Top Companies Hire Professionals with Strategic AI Skills?
Organizations across the globe are actively seeking professionals who can combine business leadership with AI expertise. Professionals skilled in AI for Business Professionals and enterprise AI strategy are highly valued in consulting firms, technology companies, financial institutions, and global enterprises.
Top Companies Hiring AI Strategy Professionals
- Microsoft
- Amazon
- Accenture
- Deloitte
- Infosys
- IBM
- TCS
- Wipro
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need prior coding experience to join the IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals Programme?
No, prior coding expertise is not mandatory. The programme is designed primarily for working professionals, managers, and decision-makers who want to understand AI applications from a strategic business perspective. While technical concepts are introduced, the focus remains on practical implementation, business transformation, and AI-led decision-making rather than deep software development.
2. How is this program different from a traditional AI or data science course?
Traditional AI programs mainly focus on programming, algorithms, and model development. The IIM Kozhikode Strategic AI for Business Professionals programme focuses on business strategy, enterprise AI adoption, Generative AI use cases, and Agentic AI implementation. It helps professionals understand how AI can improve operations, customer experience, innovation, and leadership decisions across industries.
3. Will the programme cover real-world business use cases of Generative AI?
4. What is Agentic AI, and why is it important for business professionals?
5. Can non-technical managers benefit from this Strategic AI for Business Professionals programme?
6. How does the programme help professionals adapt to AI-driven business transformation?
7. Will I learn about ethical AI and responsible AI practices in this programme?
8. How can this programme support entrepreneurs and startup founders?
9. What industries can benefit the most from professionals trained in AI strategy?
10. Does the programme focus only on Generative AI tools like ChatGPT?
11. Why should professionals choose an AI programme from IIM Kozhikode?
1. What is the refund policy for this program?
Refund Policy:
1. You can claim a refund for the amount paid towards the Program within the duration mentioned on the Offer Letter, by visiting www.upgrad.com and submitting your refund form via the "My Application" section under your profile. You can request your Admissions Counsellor to help you in applying and withdrawing for a refund by sending them an email with reasons listed. There shall be no refund applicable once the program has started. This is applicable even for those students who could not complete their payment, and could not be enrolled in the batch opted for. However, the student can avail pre-deferral as per the policy defined below for the same.
2. Student must pay the full fee within seven (7) days of payment of the deposit amount or batch start date, whichever is earlier; otherwise, the admission letter will be rescinded.
3. Request for refund as per point no. 1 of the refund policy must be sent via email in the prescribed refund request form. The refund will be processed within 30 working days of submitting the duly signed refund form, after being duly approved by the Academic Committee.
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