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Eliza and Kickdrum Establish OpenAI Technical Training Academy

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Eliza and Kickdrum have announced the formation of the OpenAI Technical Training Academy. This initiative comes in response to the soaring demand within enterprises for the adoption of OpenAI technologies and the development of sophisticated AI applications. With OpenAI's innovative portfolio expanding rapidly—boasting products like ChatGPT Enterprise, AgentKit, the Responses API, and Codex—the need for skilled professionals in this field has never been more urgent.

The newly established academy will embark on an intensive six-month practitioner program specifically designed to quickly enhance the skills of recent computer science graduates. Participants will engage in rigorous training focused on the creation, deployment, and maintenance of production-ready AI solutions using OpenAI technologies. The program aims to meet the real-world delivery standards that enterprises demand, effectively bridging the gap between educational content and practical application in the business landscape. The first cohort of 40 graduates is set to kick off in January 2026, undergoing hands-on training that aligns closely with customer expectations and enterprise implementation demands.

Stephen Garden, Co-Founder and CEO of Eliza, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We’re extremely excited to join forces with Kickdrum on this initiative. With the recent release of GPT-5.2-CODEX by OpenAI, we are at a pivotal moment for building AI-powered software and integrating enterprise applications directly with OpenAI models." This sentiment emphasizes the urgency and importance of this training initiative in preparing the upcoming workforce for future challenges and advancements in AI technology.

To further strengthen the collaboration, Ryan Kennedy, Principal and Co-Founder of Kickdrum, will take on the role of AI-CTO for Eliza. Kennedy brings over 25 years of software development experience to the table, with early contributions at Trilogy Software. His expertise will steer the technical strategy, curriculum robustness, and execution standards of the academy. "Having known the Eliza team for nearly five years, this was the perfect opportunity to combine our strengths and bring a true partnership to life," Kennedy said. His remarks highlight the shared vision of both companies in fostering the next generation of technological talent while tackling complex software challenges.

About Eliza
Eliza stands as an AI-native service provider, leveraging OpenAI technologies to assist enterprises in realizing tangible benefits from production-grade AI systems. Founded by seasoned professionals from the cloud computing and data science sectors, Eliza aims to train and nurture the top 1% of AI talent across the globe. For additional information, please visit Eliza's website.

About Kickdrum
Kickdrum specializes in technology consulting and engineering services that empower technology investors and enterprise leaders to assess, accelerate, and assure enterprise value. Their comprehensive approach encompasses pre-transaction diligence, post-transaction delivery, and ongoing optimization strategies. Kickdrum is renowned for its technology assessments that mitigate investment risk and enhance value, alongside enterprise-grade product engineering to facilitate rapid market entry and scalability. The firm has played a pivotal role in supporting transformation initiatives for over 100 Fortune 500 companies, reflecting its significant impact in the industry.

This collaboration between Eliza and Kickdrum is a significant step towards addressing the skills gap in AI technologies and fulfilling the increasing demand for innovation within enterprises. By fostering education and providing hands-on training, the OpenAI Technical Training Academy aims to equip the next generation with the necessary tools for thriving in the evolving tech landscape.