#United States #Plano #Simplilearn #agentic AI #Columbia Engineering

Simplilearn and Columbia Engineering Collaborate on AI Skills Program

On October 8, 2026, Simplilearn, a prominent global platform dedicated to digital upskilling, has officially announced a collaboration with Columbia Engineering Executive Education. Together, they have introduced an innovative program titled “Agentic AI Systems: Build, Deploy, Scale.” This cutting-edge curriculum is geared towards professionals eager to develop skills in designing, building, and managing robust agentic AI systems.

The newly launched eight-week program combines various learning methodologies, including live expert mentorship from Simplilearn subject matter experts (SMEs), hands-on projects, interactive workshops, and a quarterly masterclass led by the esteemed faculty at Columbia Engineering.

The Importance of Agentic AI

In recent years, agentic AI has transitioned from simple prototypes to advanced systems seamlessly integrating with enterprise data, APIs, and essential business workflows. Industry analysts predict that by 2026, about 40% of organizational applications will incorporate AI agents, with total global spending on agentic AI reaching an astonishing $201.9 billion. This trend signifies the increasing necessity for professionals to acquire practical knowledge and expertise in managing these advanced AI frameworks.

Krishna Kumar, Founder and CEO of Simplilearn, commented, “Agentic AI is evolving into a critical element for businesses looking to innovate and streamline operations. Professionals need to move beyond understanding AI fundamentals and learn how to orchestrate reliable systems that can truly benefit organizations. Our commitment as an upskilling partner is to stay aligned with industry innovations, ensuring that our offerings reflect the urgent need for such skills.”

Program Highlights

Participants in the program will engage with an array of over 20 tools and frameworks, including LangChain, LangGraph, CrewAI, and OpenClaw. Throughout the course, they will complete hands-on projects, culminating in a capstone project, that span the complete AI lifecycle. The learning modules will cover key areas such as:

• - Foundational AI concepts
• - Agent design and operation
• - Securing systems with guardrails
• - Implementing observability measures

Sean Wiggins, Executive Director of Columbia Engineering Online and Executive Education, emphasized, “The integration of emerging technologies into business processes has reached a critical phase where traditional methods are no longer sufficient. We must equip professionals with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to navigate the complexities of developing reliable AI systems. Our comprehensive offering not only addresses the technical challenges involved but also ensures relevant practical experience.”

The curriculum initiates with an introduction to Python for Agentic AI, followed by topics like AI and Generative AI fundamentals. As the program progresses, learners will delve into generative AI applications, explore multi-agent AI systems, and cover topics such as open agent orchestration and loop engineering, culminating in the study of agent swarms.

Who Can Benefit?

The program is designed to accommodate a wide range of professionals with a foundational knowledge of Python and at least two years of experience in tech or data roles. Target participants include software developers, AI developers, full-stack and backend engineers, data scientists, product managers, and cloud architects. The program also facilitates a quarterly masterclass where expert faculty provide insights into current AI research, technologies, and industry trends. Furthermore, learners have the opportunity to select an elective course through Microsoft Learn, focusing on AI agent development on Azure, complemented by exposure to Microsoft Foundry and multi-agent orchestration techniques.

Upon successful completion of the curriculum, participants will receive a certificate from Columbia Engineering Executive Education, in collaboration with Simplilearn, along with an additional course completion certificate from Microsoft Learn for the elective component.

About the Institutions

Simplilearn is renowned for its commitment to empowering learners worldwide with top-tier education. As a Blackstone portfolio company, it offers over 2,000 live classes monthly across more than 150 countries, impacting millions of learners globally.

Columbia Engineering Online and Executive Education connects individuals and organizations to the cutting-edge research and expertise of Columbia University, ensuring they are well-equipped to excel in a rapidly advancing technological landscape.

With the launch of this program, Simplilearn and Columbia Engineering underscore their dedication to fostering skills that lead to innovation and competitive advantage in the workforce, especially in the growing arena of agentic AI.