AI Executive Certificate
Empower your workforce. Lead AI-driven transformation.
In a world where AI is reshaping industries and redefining competitiveness, building the right skills is essential.
ESMT Berlin’s AI Executive Certificate equips individuals and organizations to drive innovation, lead change, and unlock value through AI.
Customize your learning path, develop future-ready leadership capabilities, and ensure compliance with evolving standards such as the EU AI Act.
Key facts about the certificate
Who is it for?
Whether your organization is in the early stages of AI maturity — still experimenting, identifying use cases, and building internal buy-in — or already scaling AI across functions, this certificate is designed for you.
You may be shaping strategy, advocating for adoption, building a business around AI, or overseeing implementation. Wherever you are on the AI maturity curve — as a corporate leader, entrepreneur, or innovation driver — the Executive AI Certificate helps you build the capabilities, confidence, and connections to create real impact.
Job roles include mid- to senior-level managers, project leaders, entrepreneurs, and domain specialists who are exploring, driving, or overseeing AI use cases and transformation initiatives.
What you earn
Upon successful completion of six program days — chosen from any combination of Core and Focus offerings — you will be awarded the Executive AI Certificate by ESMT Berlin. This credential demonstrates your ability to lead AI-enabled change and build digital competitiveness within your organization.
You can complete the Executive AI Certificate at your own pace within 18 consecutive months, giving you the flexibility to plan around your professional schedule. Your total investment will depend on the combination of programs you choose, with pricing based on individual program fees.
Highlights
- Immersive, on-campus learning that connects AI to real business needs
- Tailored learning paths that allow you to focus on the AI topics most relevant to your role
- Immediate business relevance with frameworks and insights you can apply to real challenges
- Access to a trusted peer group of experienced professionals, AI practitioners, and thought leaders
- Programs co-designed and delivered in close collaboration with market experts — ensuring participants learn directly from those applying AI in real business contexts
Your learning journey at a glance
The AI Executive Certificate is a flexible, modular path you can complete at your own pace. Combine eligible programs to reach 6 learning days within 18 months and earn your credential.
Eligible programs for the AI Executive Certificate
| Program Title | Duration | Format | Audience | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GenAI Fundamentals for the Workplace | Approx. 24 hours over 6 weeks | Online | Professionals applying GenAI tools in daily work | GenAI foundations & use cases, tool mastery, and responsible application |
| AI for Managers | 4 days | On campus | Managers across functions exploring AI’s business value | AI concepts, use cases, business value & strategy, governance & ethics |
| Implementing AI in the Organization | 3 days | On campus | Managers responsible for AI implementation in the organization | AI implementation drivers & frameworks, data & tech stack, change management |
| AI Governance & Compliance | 2 days | On campus | Decision-makers navigating AI regulation and risk | Risk frameworks, compliance strategies, and governance |
| Data Strategy | 2 days | On campus | Business and data leaders enabling data-driven culture | Strategic use of data, culture, and enablement |
| AI & the Future of Work | 2 days | On campus | People leaders managing AI workforce transformation | AI implications on collaboration, motivation, trust, skills |
| Innovation in the Age of AI | 2 days | On campus | Innovation practitioners leveraging AI for new value | AI-driven innovation, project scaling, product/service development |
ESMT Berlin – Your partner for AI leadership and readiness
Learn from one of Europe’s top business schools, where academic excellence meets real-world expertise.
At ESMT Berlin, you gain more than theory – you access actionable strategies, practical frameworks, and real-world case studies that prepare you to lead with confidence.
ESMT Berlin is a proud member of the Alliance for AI Competence in Germany, joining forces with organizations like Microsoft, Deutsche Telekom, Schaeffler, Siemens Energy, PwC, and Bitkom to strengthen AI education and innovation across Europe.
Join a network of AI-driven executives
You’ll learn alongside experienced professionals from a wide range of industries and backgrounds — all seeking to deepen their strategic understanding of AI.
Industries: Participants come from sectors like technology, finance, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, logistics, public institutions, and consulting — reflecting the broad relevance of AI across today's business landscape.
Backgrounds: From VPs to department heads, founders and functional specialists, your classmates are senior professionals shaping strategy, operations, and innovation across industries.
Have questions about the AI Certificate?
Our program advisors are here to answer your questions about the certificate, enrollment, and more.
Our trusted partners
We collaborate with leading AI experts, including Merantix and the appliedAI initiative, to enrich our programs with real-world insights from strategy leaders, data executives, regulatory specialists, and startup founders.
Questions?
Find the answers to some of the most common questions about the AI Executive Certificate.
How much does the certificate cost?
The total investment depends on the combination of programs chosen, with pricing based on individual program fees. For detailed pricing information, please refer to the specific program pages or contact our admissions team.
Do I need a technical background to participate?
No technical background is required. The programs within the certificate are designed for leaders facing the managerial challenges of integrating AI into business strategy – driving innovation, leading organizational change, and unlocking new value streams – without the complexity of deep technical content.
Can I apply the AI Executive Certificate toward other qualifications?
Yes, the certificate can be credited toward the Postgraduate Diploma in Management, providing a path for further professional growth.
Need personalized guidance?
Reach out to our program advisors – choose the option that works best for you:
- Email: bd@esmt.org
- Phone: +49 30 21231 6205
- Consultation call: Book a consultation
*Based on cumulative participation across several cohorts of AI for Managers, one of the core programs within the AI Executive Certificate.