IIT Madras Pravartak Launches Executive Program in Generative AI and Agentic AI Tools for Business
The accelerating integration of artificial intelligence into contemporary business ecosystems continues to reshape how organisations operate, compete and innovate. Against this evolving technological backdrop, IIT Madras Pravartak, the technology innovation hub of Indian Institute of Technology Madras, supported by the Department of Science and Technology has announced an executive programme in Generative AI and Agentic AI Tools for Business. Developed in collaboration with Emeritus, the initiative reflects a growing recognition that AI literacy is no longer confined to technologists but is increasingly essential for business leaders across sectors.
Designed as a four-month online course, the programme seeks to equip professionals with practical, application-oriented AI capabilities without requiring prior programming expertise. Its emphasis lies not merely in theoretical understanding but in enabling participants to integrate artificial intelligence meaningfully into organisational workflows and decision-making processes.
The Expanding Role of Artificial Intelligence in Business
Artificial intelligence has transitioned from experimental innovation to operational necessity within a remarkably short span. From predictive analytics and automated customer engagement to strategic planning and operational optimisation, AI tools now underpin numerous business functions. Generative AI capable of producing text, visuals, code and analytical insights is particularly transformative, offering unprecedented efficiency gains.
Agentic AI, meanwhile, represents a further evolution. Unlike conventional automation, agentic systems can act semi-autonomously, interpret context, execute tasks and adapt to dynamic environments. For businesses, this translates into enhanced productivity, improved decision support and increasingly sophisticated customer interactions.
Recognising these shifts, educational institutions are progressively designing programmes that bridge the gap between technical AI development and practical business application. The newly introduced executive programme positions itself precisely within this intersection.
Programme Design: Practicality Over Technical Complexity
A defining feature of the course is its accessibility. Unlike many AI programmes that assume coding proficiency or engineering backgrounds, this initiative deliberately targets professionals from non-technical domains. By emphasising no-code and low-code tools, the curriculum ensures that managers, consultants and entrepreneurs can engage with AI without steep technical barriers.
Participants are introduced to AI concepts through business-centric scenarios rather than abstract computational theory. This pedagogical approach reflects an emerging consensus in executive education: practical applicability often determines whether technological learning translates into organisational impact.
Moreover, the programme includes over 20 hands-on projects and more than 25 business-focused use cases. Such experiential learning enables participants to apply theoretical insights progressively, reinforcing comprehension through practice.
Target Audience and Professional Relevance
The programme has been structured for a diverse professional audience. Business executives, mid-career managers, consultants, entrepreneurs and functional leaders are among those expected to benefit most. Specific functional areas highlighted include:
- Strategy and corporate planning
- Operations and supply chain management
- Marketing and customer engagement
- Finance and risk analysis
- Human resources and talent management
- Consulting and advisory services
- Product development and innovation management
By addressing multiple professional contexts, the course acknowledges that AI adoption is rarely confined to a single organisational department. Instead, it permeates entire value chains, influencing everything from customer acquisition to internal process optimisation.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap in AI Adoption
Despite widespread enthusiasm for artificial intelligence, many organisations face a persistent knowledge gap. Senior leaders often recognise AI’s potential but lack clarity on implementation pathways, risk considerations and operational integration. Conversely, technical teams may possess implementation expertise but limited strategic oversight.
Executive education programmes like this attempt to bridge that divide. By equipping decision-makers with foundational AI understanding, they facilitate more informed strategic choices, smoother cross-functional collaboration and more effective technology adoption.
Such initiatives also mitigate common organisational pitfalls, including unrealistic expectations, misaligned investments and insufficient change management planning.
Industry Collaboration and Academic Credibility
Collaboration between academic institutions and industry-focused education platforms has become increasingly common in executive learning. Academic partners contribute intellectual rigour, research credibility and pedagogical depth, while industry platforms offer scalability, global reach and learner engagement infrastructure.
This synergy enhances programme relevance and accessibility. Participants benefit from academically grounded content delivered through flexible online formats suited to working professionals.
The association with a premier technological institution further enhances the programme’s credibility, particularly in a field where rapid developments necessitate reliable, up-to-date knowledge sources.
Perspectives on the Programme’s Launch
Commenting on the initiative, Laxminarayan G noted that generative and agentic AI represent a significant evolution in how organisations operate and compete. He emphasised that the programme aims to help professionals cultivate applied AI capabilities that translate directly into workplace impact, enabling them to lead confidently within an increasingly AI-driven economic landscape.
This perspective underscores a broader shift in executive education. Rather than focusing solely on conceptual awareness, contemporary programmes increasingly prioritise operational competence, the ability to deploy, evaluate and manage technological solutions effectively.
The Importance of No-Code and Low-Code AI Tools
One of the programme’s most pragmatic features is its focus on no-code and low-code platforms. These tools allow professionals to create AI-driven workflows, automate tasks and generate insights without extensive programming knowledge.
Such accessibility democratises technological capability within organisations. Business teams can experiment with AI applications directly, reducing reliance on specialised technical departments and accelerating innovation cycles.
Furthermore, no-code platforms often facilitate rapid prototyping, enabling organisations to test ideas quickly before committing significant resources.
Admission Criteria and Programme Timeline
The course is scheduled to commence online on 30 March 2026. Eligibility criteria include graduation or a minimum diploma qualification accompanied by at least five years of professional experience. This requirement ensures that participants bring substantive workplace context to their learning, enriching peer interaction and discussion.
Executive programmes often derive considerable value from cohort diversity, where participants exchange insights across industries, functions and organisational hierarchies.
Broader Implications for Professional Education
The introduction of AI-focused executive programmes reflects a wider transformation in professional education. Continuous learning is increasingly becoming a career necessity rather than an optional enhancement. Rapid technological change demands ongoing skill renewal, particularly in domains intersecting with digital transformation.
Artificial intelligence, in particular, is expected to influence nearly every professional field over the coming decade. As such, structured educational initiatives that combine academic credibility with practical orientation are likely to play an essential role in workforce readiness.
Looking Ahead: AI Leadership in the Modern Economy
Organisations today face a dual challenge: embracing technological innovation while ensuring ethical, responsible and strategic deployment. Leaders equipped with both business acumen and AI literacy are better positioned to navigate this complex terrain. Programmes that emphasise applied learning, strategic perspective and cross-functional relevance can significantly enhance organisational adaptability. They prepare professionals not merely to use AI tools but to lead transformation initiatives with confidence and clarity.
Conclusion
The launch of this executive programme in Generative AI and Agentic AI Tools for Business signals a timely response to evolving industry needs. By focusing on accessibility, practical application and strategic relevance, it reflects the growing importance of AI fluency among business professionals. As artificial intelligence continues to redefine organisational capabilities, initiatives that empower leaders to harness its potential responsibly and effectively will remain central to future-ready professional education. For executives seeking to remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven economy, such programmes offer both immediate practical value and long-term strategic advantage.
