IE University becomes one of the first top universities to integrate OpenAI tools throughout its entire academic ecosystem

IE University, one of the world's most innovative education institutions, has today announced a new initiative with OpenAI, a global leader in artificial intelligence development and deployment, to implement AI tools across its entire academic ecosystem. 

This new collaboration marks a significant expansion of IE University's 2023 AI initiative and will make ChatGPT Edu available for students, faculty, and staff. This initiative positions IE University among the world's top universities at the forefront of AI-enhanced learning by creating a collaborative environment where the academic community will help shape the future of education.

IE University's Master’s and Bachelor’s students will take a specialised training course, 'AI for Productivity' and 'AI 101', in which they will develop crucial digital competencies. This training emphasizes ethical usage, critical thinking, and responsible technology application. Each student will receive an AI certification and access to ChatGPT Edu, a version of ChatGPT built specifically for students, faculty and staff. 

Faculty members across the university, many of whom have been working with AI for a number of years, will continue to receive specialized training to integrate AI into their research and teaching, developing innovative programs, simulators, and immersive experiences that prepare students for a technology-transformed workplace. Additionally, administrative staff will continue to  use OpenAI's latest technology to enhance operational efficiency and productivity.

With industry experts and Bloomberg Intelligence projecting that Generative AI will create a $1.3 trillion market by 2032, this initiative reinforces IE University's commitment to shape AI-native leaders for the workplace of the future. It follows on from IE University’s 2023 AI manifesto which highlighted AI's potential to enhance education, develop responsible leaders, and drive socioeconomic progress.

“At IE University, we embrace disruption as a powerful force that compels us to rethink the very essence of education,” said Begoña González-Cuesta, Dean of Education and Academic Experience at IE Business School. “Our commitment to human-AI collaboration unlocks human enhancement through thoughtful technology integration. We see AI as a catalyst that opens possibilities, pushing us beyond current paradigms. It creates unprecedented opportunities for students and faculty to explore and create—always grounded in human connection. AI empowers personalized learning, changing how we teach and learn. It also fosters new lines of research, sparking deeper intellectual inquiry and interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers”, González-Cuesta explained.

“Artificial Intelligence as a driver in education is about real changes in how I prototype ideas and discover new insights. AI models are here to stay and education must adapt to provide students with evolving learning opportunities and guidance whilst addressing important ethical issues. From personal experience, coding AI tools or automating workflows has taught me this: the true value of AI isn't in the tasks it performs but in how it empowers us to think bigger and work smarter”, added Daniel Rosel, current student of IE University.

Leah Belksy, General Manager of Education at OpenAI said, “AI is a powerful tool that enhances learning. This collaboration places IE University at the forefront of education. Making ChatGPT Edu available for students, professors and staff enables everyone to benefit from personalised learning and improved efficiencies, and prepares students for an A.I. driven future.” With this goal, a team of OpenAI experts is working this week with students and professors at IE Tower, the tech campus of IE University in Madrid, to jointly promote the use of OpenAI tools to transform the learning experience.

Commitment to Innovation

IE University pioneered online Master's degrees in Europe 25 years ago. This experience proved invaluable during the pandemic when the institution introduced its unique Liquid Learning model, enabling seamless academic continuity for students and faculty across 160 countries.

The institution's innovative approach continues to earn global recognition. Its Online MBA ranks 1st worldwide in the Financial Times Online MBA Ranking 2024, while regularly receiving prestigious accolades such as the QS Reimagine Education Awards, Learning Technologies Awards, and Merit Awards for educational excellence.

IE University's academic portfolio includes cutting-edge programs through its IE School of Science and Technology, such as the Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Bachelor's Degree in Data and Business Analytics, Master in Computer Science and Business Technology, and Master in Business Analytics and Data Science. These programs drive knowledge creation, research, and AI education.

About IE University

IE University promotes positive change through education, research, and innovation. The institution offers a technology-based learning ecosystem for leaders with a global vision, an entrepreneurial mindset, deep respect for diversity and sustainability, and a unique focus on the humanities. IE University is comprised of six schools: IE Business School, IE Law School, IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, IE School of Architecture and Design, IE School of Science and Technology, and IE School of Humanities. IE University has a faculty of more than 500 professors who produce high-quality research and teach students from 160 countries in Bachelors, Masters and Executive Education programs. IE University's platform of more than 82,000 alumni is present in 185 countries.