Polynome AI Academy and ADSM Expand CAIO Program with Global Tech Leaders
Polynome AI Academy and Abu Dhabi School of Management have expanded the global instructor lineup for the second cohort of the Executive Program for Chief AI Officer (CAIO). Notably, the updated roster includes leaders from NVIDIA, Mubadala, BCG, G42, AI71, and prominent research institutions across the world.
The intensive program will run from April 10–21 in Abu Dhabi. It was designed in response to the growing demand for structured AI leadership among governments and large enterprises. As organizations accelerate AI adoption, they increasingly require clear governance frameworks and operating models. Therefore, the program equips Chief AI Officers and senior executives with the decision-making structures needed to lead AI at both organizational and national levels.
“The first cohort confirmed what we’ve long believed: the CAIO role requires a dedicated program built for the realities of leading AI at scale,” said Alexander Khanin, Founder of Polynome Group. “Executives came to Abu Dhabi and left with actionable strategies they are already putting into practice. The tools are ready, and by 2027, AI is expected to guide half of all business decisions. The focus now is on equipping organizations with the framework to confidently execute AI-driven decisions. Cohort 2 builds on this momentum with a refined curriculum and fresh global perspectives.”
Similarly, Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Chairman of Abu Dhabi School of Management, emphasized the program’s continued relevance. “The first cohort demonstrated the demand we anticipated; top executives across the region recognize that AI strategy cannot simply be delegated,” he said. “The program continues to evolve, providing an immersive experience that equips leaders with the skills and insights to navigate AI adoption successfully and translate technological potential into real business impact.”
First Cohort Delivers Measurable Impact
The inaugural program took place in November 2025 in Abu Dhabi and enrolled 35 C-suite executives and senior technology leaders. Over the course of 10 modules, participants explored AI strategy, sovereign AI infrastructure, governance frameworks, agentic systems, Arabic NLP, AI investment strategy, and enterprise deployment methodology. In addition, they joined site visits to the UAE Cybersecurity Council, Core42’s Khazna Data Centers, and ADNOC. They also participated in executive roundtables with policymakers, which strengthened the program’s practical focus.
“The Executive Chief AI Program is unlike any course I’ve attended,” said Dr. Noura AlDhaheri, Chairman, DNA Investments. “It brings us directly to the AI creators, experts, and leaders, giving insight into the real challenges and the evolving landscape of AI. One of the most important lessons is that this field is constantly changing, so we must continually reinforce our knowledge and update our teams. AI is set to transform the way we do business; it’s a truly historic moment, and staying ahead is essential.”
Cohort 02: Global Expertise and Program Structure
Building on this foundation, Cohort 02 brings together experts from sovereign investment, national-scale AI architecture, enterprise strategy, and frontier research. Confirmed instructors include Dr. George Tilesch, Founder & President of PHI Institute for Augmented Intelligence; Dr. Andrew Jackson, Group Chief AI Officer at G42; Prof. Merouane Debbah, Professor & 6G Lab Director at Khalifa University; Prof. Nizar Habash, Professor at New York University Abu Dhabi; Dr. John Ashley, Chief Architect at AI Nations and Director of NVIDIA AI Technology Centers; Charbel Aoun, Smart City & Spaces Director – EMEA at NVIDIA; Jean-Christophe Bernardini, Partner & Managing Director at Boston Consulting Group (BCG); Faris Al Mazrui, Head of Technology at Mubadala Investment Company; Chiara Marcati, Chief AI Advisory and Business Officer at AI71; and Jorge Colotto, Founder and CEO of AIdeology.ai. Additionally, Marco Tempest, Director of Innovation Hub at ETH Zürich, will join the faculty, and more instructors will be announced in the coming weeks.
The 10-day program combines modules, executive seminars, case labs, and operating model workshops. Participants also attend site visits to UAE AI institutions, including Core42’s Khazna data center, and engage in policymaker roundtables. Furthermore, graduates receive lifetime access to the CAIO alumni network. The program targets CAIOs, CTOs, CIOs, CISOs, public sector advisors, and senior digital transformation executives.
Early-bird enrollment for Cohort 2 is now open at https://polynome.ai/form. Interested executives can request a consultation at academy@polynome.ai.
