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2U and Microsoft Unveil New AI Executive Program

In a groundbreaking partnership, 2U, a leader in educational technology, has announced its collaboration with Microsoft to introduce the CxO Edge program, titled Run your business on AI. This innovative online executive education course will be available on edX, 2U's acclaimed global learning platform, and is set to launch in early 2026. The unveiling occurred during Microsoft's Ignite conference, where the need for AI skills in executive leadership was underscored.

The CxO Edge program is designed specifically for C-suite leaders, founders, and senior executives across various industries. The aim is to facilitate a smoother transition from AI experimentation to achieving measurable results within enterprises. Despite the rapid growth of AI adoption in recent years, many companies still find it challenging to turn financial investments into tangible business impact. This program is tailored to bridge that gap, enabling participants to create value from AI through enhanced judgment, better governance, and strategic alignment.

Structure and Content of the Program

The three-week online course includes a blend of Microsoft case studies, practical toolsets, and an intensive executive strategy lab. Participants will engage in courses that emphasize the identification of AI-driven value, aligning business strategies with measurable outcomes, and designing a 90-day proof of value. Each module prioritizes actionable outcomes over theoretical knowledge, equipping executives with concrete, board-ready deliverables and decisions relevant to their specific roles.

Andy Morgan, Chief Partnerships Officer at 2U, stated, “The pace of AI adoption means every executive needs to learn—and lead—faster.” This sentiment reflects the urgent need for leaders to quickly adapt and leverage AI in their decision-making processes. With 2U’s collaboration, the deep AI expertise from Microsoft can now be accessed by executives worldwide at a critical time when they must convert experimental initiatives into transformative policies.

As part of the announcement, 2U is offering significant discounts to attendees of the Ignite conference as well as to the first 100 registrants outside the conference. This move aligns with recent findings from Microsoft's 2025 Work Trend Index, which indicated that 82% of leaders believe this year is crucial for rethinking strategies to evolve into innovative organizations that effectively integrate human-AI collaboration. Moreover, surveys conducted by edX revealed that 58% of the workforce acknowledges a lack of AI expertise in their fields, with many managers planning to upskill to keep pace with changes.

A Step Forward in Executive Training

Geoff Hirsch, Head of Training Partner Channel at Microsoft, echoed the importance of the program, stating, “AI is reshaping how every business operates, and executives need practical frameworks they can apply immediately.” The CxO Edge course is the culmination of Microsoft’s extensive experience in guiding organizations through AI transformation, offering tailored tools and frameworks essential for today’s business leaders.

This partnership underscores a significant evolution since Microsoft first began offering professional certificate programs on edX over a decade ago. With over 10 million enrollments in Microsoft courses through edX, this collaboration marks a continued commitment to driving digital transformation during the AI epoch. Recently, Microsoft achieved a Guinness World Record during its AI Skills Fest, further highlighting the organization's focus on education. In just the past six months alone, Microsoft has launched 56 courses across 18 programs on edX, attracting an impressive 40,000 new learners.

Ultimately, the CxO Edge program is designed to support leaders in maximizing their understanding and application of AI, turning theoretical frameworks into effective strategies. It will be accessible to both individual users on edX.org and enterprise teams through edX’s Enterprise Catalogue, promoting workforce upskilling at scale.

For additional information and to pre-enroll, interested parties can visit Microsoft's enrollment page.

About 2U

2U is committed to increasing access to higher education through its global learning platform, edX. Over the past 15 years, 2U has focused on innovation and technology to provide high-quality learning outcomes at scale. Today, through partnerships with over 250 leading universities and institutions, 2U connects more than 99 million individuals with numerous affordable, career-friendly learning opportunities.

In conclusion, as AI continues to revolutionize the business landscape, programs like CxO Edge by 2U and Microsoft not only equip current and future leaders with essential skills but also define the future of business education in the digital age.