2U and Microsoft to launch CxO Edge: Run your business on AI on edX
Microsoft and 2U are introducing a new online executive program-CxO Edge: Run your business on AI-built for leaders who need results from AI, not more pilots. Announced at Microsoft Ignite, the three-week experience launches first on edX in early 2026 and focuses on turning experimentation into measurable enterprise outcomes.
For education leaders, this is timely. Many institutions have AI projects in pockets of the organization, yet struggle to prove value, build trust, and scale. This program zeroes in on judgment, governance, and alignment across teams-so your strategy holds up in the boardroom and on campus.
What you'll get
- A clear method to identify where AI creates value-and where it doesn't
- Tools to link strategy to metrics that leadership and boards care about
- A guided, 90-day proof of value plan you can take back to your organization
- Microsoft enterprise case studies and practical playbooks
- An executive strategy lab focused on role-specific decisions
- Board-ready artifacts you can reuse across initiatives
Who it's for
C-suite leaders, founders, and senior partners across industries, including higher education and workforce learning. If you're accountable for outcomes-student success, operational efficiency, enrollment growth, research productivity-this program helps you turn AI talk into action.
Format and timing
Three weeks, fully online, with structured modules and hands-on work. The program launches first on edX in early 2026 and will be available to individuals on edX.org and to organizations through the edX Enterprise Catalogue.
Why it matters now
Microsoft's 2025 Work Trend Index found that 82% of leaders say this year is pivotal for rethinking strategy and operations as companies evolve into "Frontier Firms"-organizations that blend human and AI collaboration to drive innovation. edX survey data backs this up: 58% of workers see an AI skills gap in their industry, and nearly two-thirds of managers plan to upskill.
Read the Work Trend Index for context.
What leaders are saying
"The pace of AI adoption means every executive needs to learn-and lead-faster," said Andy Morgan, Chief Partnerships Officer at 2U. "Through edX, we can take Microsoft's deep enterprise AI expertise and make it accessible to executives around the world, right when they're under pressure to translate experimentation into transformation."
"AI is reshaping how every business operates, and executives need practical frameworks they can apply immediately," said Geoff Hirsch, Head of Training Partner Channel at Microsoft. "CxO Edge brings together what we've learned helping thousands of organizations transform with AI."
A proven partnership
Microsoft was the first company to offer professional certificate programs on edX over a decade ago. Since then, more than 10 million enrollments in Microsoft courses have run through edX. In the past six months alone, Microsoft delivered 56 courses across 18 programs on edX, adding 40,000 new learners and even setting a Guinness World Record during AI Skills Fest.
Access and enrollment
2U is offering a significant discount to Ignite attendees and the first 100 people outside the conference who sign up. Pre-enroll or share with your leadership team:
Pre-enroll in CxO Edge: Run your business on AI
For education professionals: quick ways to apply this
- Use the 90-day proof of value to pilot AI in student services or advising with clear success metrics.
- Apply the governance toolkit to data access, model risk, and academic integrity policies.
- Bring board-ready artifacts to budget and accreditation conversations to secure buy-in.
More AI learning options
If you're building a broader upskilling plan for teams, explore curated options by job function and skill level:
About 2U
2U is a global education technology company. Through edX, 2U connects over 99 million people with thousands of affordable, career-aligned learning opportunities in partnership with more than 250 leading universities, institutions, and industry experts.
Media contact
2U: media@2u.com
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