UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO · CANADA
Chief Technology and AI Officer (AI-CTO) Program
Certificate · Taught in en
At a glance
6 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Certificate
Level
- 25 weeksDuration
- OnlineFormat
- 4-6 hours per weekCommitment
- University of Waterloo CertificateCredential
- Practitioner-led FacultyTeaching Staff
- Dual-track design (Venture or Enterprise)Pathway Options
The Chief Technology and AI Officer (AI-CTO) program is designed for experienced technology leaders who want to bridge the gap between technical expertise and strategic business value. Developed by the University of Waterloo's WatSPEED and offered in partnership with upGrad, this 25-week live-online program equips you to lead complex digital transformations and AI initiatives. You will learn to communicate in the language of the board, focusing on revenue, risk, and ROI, and transform from a technical expert into a strategic enterprise leader.
Curriculum
The AI-CTO program follows a four-phase structure designed to accelerate both strategic and technical leadership. Each phase includes specific learning objectives and culminates in practical deliverables that demonstrate workplace impact.
- Phase 1 (Weeks 1-3)
- Strategic leadership and business fluency
- Translate technology strategy into business value
- Build a 90-day CTO plan aligned with executive priorities
- Master P&L, ROI modelling, and executive storytelling
- Phase 2 (Weeks 4-12)
- Modern technology and AI leadership
- Architect scalable cloud and AI systems
- Apply FinOps, MLOps, and responsible AI frameworks
- Build real-world investment cases and scaling blueprints
- Phase 3 (Weeks 13-18)
- Boardroom influence & transformation
- Lead M&A and digital transformation
- Present to boards with clarity and confidence
- Design ethical-AI and governance frameworks
- Phase 4 (Weeks 19-25)
- Crisis decision-making in context
- Entrepreneurship track (venture building, fundraising, IPO readiness)
- Intrapreneurship track (innovation at scale, change management, enterprise transformation)
- High-stakes leadership simulations
Careers
This program aims to transform you into a board-ready technology leader equipped to drive enterprise-level change and lead the next wave of intelligent transformation.
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
- Chief Information Officer (CIO)
- Chief Digital Officer (CDO)
- Chief AI Officer (CAIO)
- VP of Engineering
- Director of Product/AI/Data
- Enterprise Architect
- Startup Founder
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Chief Technology and AI Officer (AI-CTO) Program?
- This program is designed for experienced technology professionals with over eight years of leadership experience. You must also meet the University of Waterloo's English language proficiency requirements, with specific scores needed for IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT.
- How long is the Chief Technology and AI Officer (AI-CTO) Program and what is the format?
- The program is 25 weeks long and is delivered in a live-online format. It requires a commitment of 4-6 hours per week.
- What kind of career outcomes can I expect from this program?
- The program aims to prepare you for roles such as Chief Technology Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Digital Officer, Chief AI Officer, VP of Engineering, and Director of Product/AI/Data. It also covers venture building and innovation at scale.
- How can I apply for the AI-CTO program?
- To apply, you need to express interest by filling out a form, complete the application form, and submit all required documents. Your application will then be reviewed by an admission panel.
- What are the tuition fees for this certificate program?
- Specific tuition fee information is not available on the program page. Prospective students are directed to use the University of Waterloo's Tuition Fee Estimator for estimates.
Entry requirements
ExperienceDesigned for experienced technology professionals with more than eight years of leadership experience, including CTOs, CIOs, CDOs, CAIOs, VPs, directors, or heads of engineering, product, AI, or data, principal and enterprise architects, senior technologists preparing for executive or board-level roles, and startup founders scaling tech-driven ventures.
IELTS Academic6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and speaking, and 6.0 in reading and listening
TOEFL iBT90 overall, with 25 in writing and speaking (for tests completed before January 21, 2026)
This program is not intended for those seeking tactical, certification-level or introductory training. Applicants must meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements, with official test scores sent directly from the testing agency. Tests taken prior to May 1, 2024 do not fulfill requirements.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fee information is not available on the program page. Please use the University of Waterloo's Tuition Fee Estimator for estimates.
Tuition (home)Tuition fee information is not available on the program page. Please use the University of Waterloo's Tuition Fee Estimator for estimates.
LivingLiving cost information is not available on the program page.
The Tuition Fee Estimator provides an estimate for tuition and incidental fees only and does not include other expenses such as off-campus housing, groceries, or textbooks. Estimates are based on the 2026/2027 rates and assume a fall 2026 program start.
How to apply
1. Express Interest / Learn MoreFill out the form on the program page to receive notifications and connect with a program advisor from upGrad.
2. Complete ApplicationFill out your application form.
3. Submit Required DocumentsSubmit all necessary documentation as requested.
4. Admission ReviewThe admission panel will review your application and documents.
5. Receive Offer LetterIf successful, you will receive an admission offer letter.
6. Consult Advisor for PaymentConsult your advisor regarding payment options after receiving your offer.
Accreditation
Professional education certificate from the University of Waterloo.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Chief Technology and AI Officer (AI-CTO) Program?
+
This program is designed for experienced technology professionals with over eight years of leadership experience. You must also meet the University of Waterloo's English language proficiency requirements, with specific scores needed for IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT.
How long is the Chief Technology and AI Officer (AI-CTO) Program and what is the format?
+
The program is 25 weeks long and is delivered in a live-online format. It requires a commitment of 4-6 hours per week.
What kind of career outcomes can I expect from this program?
+
The program aims to prepare you for roles such as Chief Technology Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Digital Officer, Chief AI Officer, VP of Engineering, and Director of Product/AI/Data. It also covers venture building and innovation at scale.
How can I apply for the AI-CTO program?
+
To apply, you need to express interest by filling out a form, complete the application form, and submit all required documents. Your application will then be reviewed by an admission panel.
What are the tuition fees for this certificate program?
+
Specific tuition fee information is not available on the program page. Prospective students are directed to use the University of Waterloo's Tuition Fee Estimator for estimates.