Bengaluru : As AI becomes central to business strategy, leaders are playing a pivotal role in steering digital-first growth and innovation. According to the Work Trend Index Annual Report 2025, nearly 45% of global leaders are expanding team capacity through digital labour, while 78% are hiring for AI-specific roles, rising to 95% among frontier firms. In response to the growing demand for leadership that can translate emerging technologies into strategic advantage, the Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIMI), ranked 8th by the Ministry of Education’s NIRF 2024, in collaboration with Emeritus, has commenced the Certificate Programme in Digital Transformation and AI for Leaders.
Amidst this shift, technological change continues to emerge as the most influential force shaping the workforce. With AI and big data identified as the fastest-growing skill areas globally in the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, the need for agile, tech-savvy leadership has never been greater. Built for leaders at the crossroads of innovation and impact, the programme delivers a strategic blend of digital innovation and AI application, enabling participants to build future-ready capabilities through real-world case studies, simulations, and a capstone project.
This programme is ideal for professionals looking to deepen their understanding of digital technologies and strengthen their data-driven decision-making capabilities. It is particularly well-suited for senior leaders and function heads seeking to integrate digital strategies into new or evolving business models, as well as managers currently driving or preparing to lead digital transformation initiatives within their organisations. Additionally, consultants supporting clients through large-scale transformation and entrepreneurs aiming to innovate amid changing customer expectations and emerging business ecosystems will also find the programme highly relevant.
Speaking on the commencement of the programme, Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore, said, “At IIM Indore, we recognise that leadership today requires more than business acumen and demands a deep understanding of how to leverage emerging technologies like AI for strategic growth. This programme is precisely designed to equip professionals with the knowledge, tools, and frameworks to lead with clarity in a digitally dynamic environment.”
Avnish Singhal, Executive Vice President, India & APAC, Emeritus, added, “Organisations today are looking for leaders who can bridge the gap between digital ambition and execution. As AI reshapes industries, there is a clear need for professionals who can align technology with business strategy and drive measurable outcomes. This programme has been crafted to meet that industry need, offering a strategic learning experience.”
The Certificate Programme in Digital Transformation and AI for Leaders, designed by esteemed IIM Indore faculty, offers a rich blend of academic rigour and practical application. It includes pre-recorded video lectures by IIM faculty for flexible learning, masterclasses by industry experts, as well as discussion boards to foster peer interaction. It also includes real-world case studies for practical insights, assignments, quizzes, AI and Gen AI for innovative strategies and business models, a capstone project, as well as networking and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. The modules of this programme include introduction to digital transformation, data-based decision-making and AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, as well as business model innovation, among others.
Through this programme, participants will be able to:
• Articulate the key concepts and principles of digital transformation and AI
• Develop and implement AI-driven strategies to optimise business processes and enhance decision-making
• Innovate business models and strategies using AI technologies
• Enhance customer relationships and experiences through AI-driven insights and personalisation
• Address and manage the challenges and risks associated with digital transformation and AI implementation
• Lead and manage digital transformation initiatives within diverse organisational contexts
Programme Details:
• Start Date: September 25, 2025
• Duration: 22 weeks
• Fees: INR 1,25,000
• Mode: Online sessions by IIM Indore faculty
• Eligibility: Minimum graduate/diploma holder (10+2+3)
• Certification: Upon successful completion of the programme with a minimum grade of 70%, participants will receive a certificate of completion from IIM Indore. Additionally, participants are also required to view at least 50% of the video content and attend a minimum of 50% of live sessions, masterclasses, or campus modules to successfully complete the programme.
