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    Data Science & AI

    Dive deep into data-driven technologies: Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Data Mining, Big Data, NLP & more. Stay updated.

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    Forbes: The Companies Winning With AI Aren’t Replacing Workers
    OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
    OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
    August 17, 2026

    Source:

    • Forbes, published on August 11th, 2026

    By Gary Drenik

     

    In a difficult business environment, artificial intelligence can look like an obvious answer for executives seeking faster work, lower costs and new efficiencies. But as AI moves into everyday business use, the more important question is whether those gains will last.

     

    New research led by Professor Jan-Emmanuel De Neve of Saïd Business School, University of Oxford suggests companies may be making a strategic mistake if they treat AI mainly to cut headcount. The research argues that businesses focused too heavily on automation risk weakening the human capabilities they will need for growth, including creativity, judgment, institutional knowledge and leadership development.

     

    “It’s a classic manifestation of status quo bias,” says De Neve. “It’s far easier for an executive to look at a spreadsheet and imagine using AI to streamline what people already do than it is to do the heavy strategic lifting of reimagining how technology can produce entirely new value. Treating AI as a headcount-slashing tool might yield quick, visible cost savings, but it is ultimately a path of organisational contraction that trades away a company’s long-term capacity to innovate.”

     

    The distinction is central to AI strategy. Automation replaces tasks people currently perform. Augmentation expands what people can do, giving employees more capacity for problem solving, customer relationships and higher-value decisions.

     

    A recent survey from my company Prosper Insights & Analytics shows why this matters. In its survey of U.S. adults, Executives and Business Owners were more likely than Employees to say they already use generative AI, at 53% compared with 38%. That suggests leaders may be closer to the strategic promise of AI, while employees are closer to the disruption it creates in daily work.

     

    Prosper Insights & Analytics also found that 31% of employees are concerned AI will cause job losses, while 11% are concerned they personally will lose their job because of AI. A further 25% of employees say they do not trust that AI has their best interests in mind.

     

    Those figures matter because AI adoption is also a trust exercise. If employees believe AI is being introduced to make them easier to replace, they are less likely to experiment with it openly, challenge its outputs or show managers where it can improve the business.

     

    Professor Ashish Kumar from Trinity Business School calls this “an agency and incentive problem.” Senior leaders often see AI through the lens of strategy, efficiency and long-term opportunity, while employees deal with the practical consequences when new tools disrupt existing workflows. Kumar argues that workers are more likely to embrace AI when they feel involved in the decision, understand how it will help them, and trust that the technology is being introduced to support their work rather than threaten it.

     

    De Neve argues that augmentation creates a different relationship between workers and AI. “When you choose augmentation, you unlock a compounding growth cycle. Employees engage with curiosity and agency, becoming ‘pilots’ of the technology rather than passive passengers.”

     

    The danger of an automation-first approach is especially clear when companies reduce junior hiring or cut entry-level roles. These roles are often viewed as easy to automate because they involve repeatable tasks, basic analysis or administrative work. Yet they are also where future leaders learn judgment, build relationships and understand clients.

     

    “When you cut human compensation and junior roles to fund technology, you hollow out your internal leadership pipeline and destroy the psychological safety required to innovate,” says De Neve. “The AI revolution will not be won by the organisations that replace people the fastest, but by those that empower them the best.”

     

    The issue is not whether companies should ignore efficiency, it is whether efficiency becomes the whole strategy. Professor Guillaume Coqueret of Emlyon business school argues that AI adoption depends on both individual adaptability and organisational factors including leadership, incentives, culture and the choice of tools. Legacy organisations face a harder challenge because AI often has to be introduced into older processes, established habits and uneven levels of confidence.

     

    That alignment also affects quality. One emerging risk is “workslop,” AI-generated content that looks useful but lacks the substance needed to move work forward. Alan Lerner, professor at the Open Institute of Technology – OPIT, describes workslop as “AI generated work content that masquerades as good work, but lacks the substance to meaningfully advance a given task.”

     

    The danger is that AI increases output volume while shifting the burden onto employees who must check and interpret unclear work, creating the impression of productivity while increasing the effort needed to make AI output reliable.

     

    Prosper Insights & Analytics data points to similar concerns. Among employees surveyed, 37% say AI needs human oversight, while 34% are concerned it can provide wrong information or hallucinations. These responses suggest many employees are not rejecting AI. They understand that its value depends on human judgment.

    That judgment is harder to sustain when employees are anxious, overloaded or unsure how their work is being evaluated. Debora Nozza, Assistant Professor at Bocconi University, says AI can reduce some tasks while increasing the mental burden around others.

     

    “In theory, AI should reduce the burden of work. In practice, it often changes the nature of that burden,” says Nozza.

     

    Prosper Insights & Analytics also found that 17% of employees say AI makes them anxious. That does not mean AI adoption should slow, but companies need to pay closer attention to morale, training, communication and workload. If AI leaves employees less able to apply their judgment, the expected efficiency gains may prove smaller than leaders hoped.

     

    The most successful AI strategies will likely be judged by more than adoption rates or cost savings. Companies will need to ask whether AI is improving work quality, helping employees make better decisions, strengthening retention and building the next generation of leaders.

     

    Automation can make old processes faster. Augmentation can help companies develop new sources of value. Companies that recognise this may be better placed to turn AI from a short-term efficiency tool into a lasting source of competitive advantage.

    Read full article here: Forbes

    Read the article
    The AI Journal: The Most Common Misconception About AI is that “Coding is Enough”
    OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
    OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
    July 22, 2026

    Source:

    By Pierluigi Casale, Professor and Area Chair of AI at OPIT – Open Institute of Technology
     

    If you ask a room of professionals what they should do to get ready for AI, the most frequent answer is still: learn to code. Coding is valuable, and it remains a powerful way to understand how software behaves. But the leap from writing code to leading responsibly with AI is far larger than many organisations admit. 
     

    AI systems do not fail only because the code is wrong. They fail when objectives are poorly framed, when data reflects yesterday’s biases, when accountability is vague, and when human expectations are managed badly. Those failure modes are as much about people and institutions as they are about algorithms.

    Why ‘learning to code’ is not the same as mastering AI

     

    AI is increasingly used as a decision support layer across recruitment, marketing, customer service, credit, and risk. In each of these contexts, the hardest questions are not syntactic but normative: what counts as success, who bears the downside, and what trade-offs are acceptable. 
     

    A strong programmer can build a model that predicts, classifies, or generates text. That does not automatically equip them to judge whether the model should be used, whether it is fair in context, or how it will reshape incentives inside an organisation. Treating coding as the main proxy for AI competence narrows the field exactly when AI demands broader, more interdisciplinary leadership.

    AI is a socio-technical system, not a coding exercise

     

    Every AI deployment is a socio-technical system: a combination of data, models, workflows, governance, users, and institutional constraints. If any one of those elements is weak, the system fails even if the model scores well in a lab benchmark. 
     

    This is why frameworks such as the NIST AI Risk Management Framework and the EU AI Act stress trustworthiness, governance, and lifecycle thinking rather than technical performance alone. That emphasis is not a brake on innovation; it is what keeps experimentation from becoming harm at scale.

    A four-intelligence model for the AI era

     

    To work effectively with AI, we need a richer definition of capability than ‘can write code’. A useful way to frame that capability is through four intelligences: emotional, social, creative, and technological. Coding sits inside the technological domain, but it cannot carry the whole burden of responsible AI.

    Emotional intelligence: designing for human reactions, not just outputs

     

    AI changes how people feel about their work, their identity, and their agency. If leaders ignore anxiety, scepticism, and over-trust, they will get either quiet resistance or reckless reliance. 
     

    Emotional intelligence means understanding when a system should be transparent, when it should defer to a human, and how to communicate uncertainty without eroding confidence. It also means creating psychological safety so teams can report failures early, before they become public incidents.

    Social intelligence: building AI that fits real organisations

     

    Most AI programmes stall not because the model is weak, but because the organisation is not ready. Data sits in silos, accountability is diffused, and incentives reward speed over quality. 
     

    Social intelligence is the ability to map stakeholders, power dynamics, and decision rights, then design workflows that make responsibility explicit. It is also about understanding how AI will reshape roles, performance measures, and trust between teams, customers, and regulators.


    Creative intelligence: using AI to expand imagination rather than outsource it

     

    Generative AI can accelerate drafting, exploration, and ideation, but it can also flatten thinking into the average of the data it was trained on. If teams use AI only to generate more content faster, they may become less original, not more productive. 
     

    Creative intelligence means treating AI as a thinking partner: a tool for exploring alternatives, testing hypotheses, and surfacing blind spots. It requires strong problem framing, good questions, and the discipline to keep human judgement in charge of what is new, relevant, and ethically defensible.

    Technological intelligence: more than coding, anchored in impact

     

    Technological intelligence includes software engineering, but it also includes data governance, security, evaluation, monitoring, and incident response. It means understanding model limitations, measuring performance in the real world, and designing for robustness as conditions change. 
     

    It also demands an operating knowledge of emerging standards and regulatory expectations, because scale without safeguards is simply automated risk.

    How organisations build responsible AI without stifling innovation

     

    The fear in many boardrooms is that ‘responsible AI’ translates into slow committees and frozen experimentation. In practice, the opposite is often true: clear rules enable faster delivery because teams know what is acceptable and how to evidence it. 
     

    A pragmatic approach is to separate exploration from deployment. Let teams experiment in sandboxes with synthetic or low-risk data, but require stronger assurance before systems touch customers, employees, or high-impact decisions. 
     

    Treat governance as an engineering discipline. Define the use case, document the intended benefit, identify likely harms, and agree measurable thresholds for accuracy, bias, and safety. Then monitor drift and user behaviour, because the world will change even if the code does not.

    Why ethics must be embedded into education and leadership

     

    Ethics is too often treated as a slide at the end of an AI training course or a last-minute review by legal. That approach fails because the key ethical choices are made much earlier: in problem selection, data selection, and success metrics. 
     

    International guidance is converging on the same message. The OECD AI Principles and UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI both stress human rights, transparency, accountability, and the need for human oversight throughout the lifecycle. 
     

    Regulation is also beginning to codify expectations. In the EU, the AI Act has entered into force, signalling that AI risk management and governance will be treated as organisational obligations, not optional best practice. 
     

    Embedding ethics means teaching leaders how to ask better questions: what could go wrong, who might be excluded, what data rights are involved, and what accountability looks like when the system is wrong. It also means building interdisciplinary teams where ethicists, domain experts, and frontline staff can challenge technical assumptions without being dismissed as ‘non-technical’.

    Addressing common fears and misconceptions with clarity

     

    The public debate about AI swings between hype and panic, and both are unhelpful. People are right to worry about privacy, discrimination, and job displacement, but those outcomes are not inevitable; they are design and policy choices. 
     

    Leaders should speak plainly about what AI can and cannot do. Explain that models can be confidently wrong, that they can amplify patterns in historical data, and that they require oversight. In the UK, the Information Commissioner’s Office has issued guidance on AI and data protection that is explicitly aimed at supporting innovation whilst protecting people. 
     

    Most importantly, position AI as augmentation rather than replacement. When organisations invest in the four intelligences, they can deploy AI to remove low-value work and raise the quality of human decision-making, rather than eroding trust and morale.

    What AI literacy looks like in practice

     

    If AI capability is broader than coding, AI education must be broader too. That means building shared literacy across roles: executives need to understand risk, product teams need to understand governance, and technical teams need to understand the human context in which their systems operate. 
     

    A useful test is whether a team can answer four basic questions without handwaving. What outcome are we optimising for, and who decides that outcome is legitimate? What evidence will we collect to show the system is safe, fair, and effective after launch, not only before it? 
     

    This is where the four intelligences become practical. Emotional intelligence shapes how you communicate uncertainty; social intelligence clarifies accountability; creative intelligence improves problem framing; and technological intelligence turns all of that into measurable controls and resilient systems.

    A more realistic definition of AI readiness

     

    Coding will remain part of the AI story, but it should not be the headline. The leaders who succeed will be those who can combine technical competence with emotional insight, social understanding, and creative judgement. 
     

    If we want AI that is not merely powerful but legitimate, we have to educate and lead accordingly. The AI era will reward those who build systems that work for people as well as for performance metrics. 

    Read the article
    EFMD Global: New online doctorate in AI focused on real-world impact
    OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
    OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
    July 08, 2026

    Source:

    An online institute founded by a business school graduate is now launching a doctorate in AI.


    By Stephanie Mullins-Wiles


    OPIT – Open Institute of Technology has launched a Professional Doctorate in Applied Artificial Intelligence, starting in September 2026 and delivered entirely online. 

    Founded by Riccardo Ocleppo, OPIT is a remote academic institution offering fully online programmes in Computer Science and AI. Ocleppo credits his business education for impacting his entrepreneurial journey; he completed the MSc in Management at London Business School and an Executive Master’s at INSEAD. 

    “I enrolled at LBS to complement my technical background with business and management acumen, as I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. There, I met great professors and fellow students who significantly impacted my personal and professional growth,” said Ocleppo, also director of OPIT. 

    Opit Doctorate in Applied AI

    The new doctoral programme has been created in response to the growing demand for doctoral pathways to better reflect the needs of the labour market as the adoption of AI rapidly transforms processes, regulations, and organisational models.

    “We are seeing a very clear demand; leaders who can use AI responsibly and productively, translating technical possibilities into decisions and results,” said Ocleppo. “This doctorate was created to fill a gap; not a programme focused solely on theory or overly narrow areas, but a doctorate that places AI at the centre as a strategic lever to tackle real challenges faced by companies, institutions, and society, with the flexibility needed by working professionals.”

    Unlike a traditional PhD, which is more oriented toward academic research, this doctorate emphasises applied research with a focus on real-world impact. Assessment will consider the robustness of research alongside its ability to generate practical solutions.

    “In a world where knowledge evolves at an unprecedented pace, education can no longer be considered a phase of life but must be a continuous process,” said Francesco Profumo, Rector of OPIT. “Innovative doctoral programmes like OPIT’s represent an important step in preparing professionals capable of leading technological and social change. Investing in lifelong learning means investing in the future of individuals and our societies.”

    The programme is aimed at professionals, executives, and managers across technology, healthcare, finance, education, manufacturing, public policy, and consulting, as well as specialists, academics, and researchers who want to lead the adoption of AI in their field.

    Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline. Alternatively, candidates with a Master’s degree in another field can apply if they have at least five years of professional experience in an area in which AI has significant impact.

    The programme also includes an intermediate exit option. From the second year, students who do not continue the doctorate can choose to obtain a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Applied Artificial Intelligence instead.

    “The challenge is not just knowing what AI is, but knowing how to govern and apply it rigorously and responsibly to generate value,” said Lorenzo Livi, Programme Director. “We train professionals capable of designing and conducting methodologically robust applied research, leading AI-enabled transformation, bridging technical expertise and organisational needs, and promoting the ethical and sustainable adoption of artificial intelligence.”

     

     

    Read full article here: EFMD Global

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    Yahoo! Finance: Teen boys are choosing AI girlfriends over real ones for ‘maximum control, zero rejection’—experts say it could make them unemployable
    OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
    OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
    July 03, 2026

    Source:

    The appeal of an AI girlfriend, one professor says, is obvious: “maximum control, zero rejection.” But it’s a shift that could kill their careers.


    By Orianna Rosa Royle


    Gen Z dated strategically—dating people 25% more attractive and successful than them to climb the social ladder. Gen Alpha, it seems, has decided the whole thing is too much effort. Instead, teen boys are quietly swapping first dates, awkward silences, and emotional guesswork for an AI girlfriend who never cancels, never argues, and always texts back.


    In fact, research by Male Allies UK found that 20% of boys aged 12 to 16 know a peer who is “dating” an AI chatbot, while 85% have spoken to one, and over a quarter even prefer the attention and connection they get from a bot over the real thing.


    Most shockingly, 58% said an AI relationship is easier because they can “control the conversation.”


    The appeal is, as one professor told Fortune, obvious: “maximum control, zero rejection.” And it’s a shift that could reshape not just their love lives, but their future careers.


    The toll of opting out of real relationships, in all their mess and glory, experts warn, could be a generation that arrives in the workforce unable to read a room, build trust over a coffee, or handle the one thing AI girlfriends can never prepare you for—being told no.


    Gen Alpha’s new ‘girlfriend’ comes with an off switch and no social risk—unlike real relationships

    “The real issue is not that young people are talking to AI, but that some may start using it as a substitute for the messy, demanding work of human connection,” says Professor Pierluigi Casale, Head of AI at OPIT. “Real relationships teach negotiation, empathy, rejection, compromise, and social confidence. AI companionship can mimic intimacy whilst removing much of that friction.”


    That convenience may come at a cost that stretches far beyond dating. Because the same soft skills needed to maintain a relationship are just as vital in the workplace. For example, to nail an interview, present in front of peers, or even just handle opposing opinions in the office. And it’s already lacking in younger generations who grew up with a smartphone in their hand.


    Fortune has already reported that Gen Z grads are being fired at record rates—with a lack of social skills frequently cited as a key reason; That struggling to hold conversations with coworkers is already holding young workers back from promotions; And some employers are even forcing their new young hires to take on basic soft skills training, including lessons in how to speak up in meetings.


    If Gen Z is already struggling, Gen Alpha—with AI companions that never push back, never need tending, and always agree—could arrive in even worse shape.


    Essentially, the workplace case against AI relationships is less about romance and more about what human relationships actually teach you.


    “Reading a room, picking up on social cues, building trust over coffee or a conference dinner—these are muscles you develop through practice, and practice requires real people,” Alessia Paccagnini, Associate Professor at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, stresses.


    Professor Raoul V. Kübler of ESSEC Business School puts it more bluntly: the risk is that boys dating AI are “unconsciously training themselves to expect relationships that never push back, never need tending, and never require genuine compromise. These are, however, exactly the skills that determine success in careers, friendships, and life.” And crucially, he adds, “this shift happens so gradually that most people don’t notice it’s happening at all.”


    There’s one ironic upside: these boys will probably enter the workforce pretty fluent in AI—and Kübler says that knowing how to communicate with and interact with AI could give these teens a “genuine head start” over their peers when it comes to job hunting one day. “In that sense, dating an AI might be surprisingly good career preparation,” Kübler adds.


    But he is clear that it’s a two-sided coin. “Real technical fluency on one side, stunted personal development on the other—and the job market will eventually demand both.”


    The real price of an AI girlfriend: fewer connections and fewer opportunities

    Teen boys might think an AI girlfriend solves their immediate problems—no awkward small talk, no rejection, no risking embarrassment. But there’s a quieter long‑term cost: with fewer real‑life relationships, they’re not just dodging discomfort, they’re forfeiting access.


    As Paccagnini puts it: “When you can custom-design a companion who never disappoints you, the incentive to invest in messy, imperfect real-world friendships, romantic or otherwise, diminishes. And those non-romantic ties are often the ones that open professional doors.”


    Ultimately, young people who retreat into the comfort of AI companionship could be hit with a double whammy effect: They won’t just feel more socially rusty, they’ll simply know fewer people who can open doors, recommend them for roles, or whisper their name in the right room at the right moment.


    Plenty of CEOs have told Fortune that early‑career friendships were vital to their growth, particularly for those who didn’t start with money or family connections.


    One millennial founder, Sam Budd—who got his start working alongside Diary of a CEO’s Steven Bartlett—described escaping a childhood shaped by poverty and a heroin‑addicted father through relentless networking: showing up, asking for help, and building a web of people who wanted to see him win.


    Likewise, Kurt Geiger’s CEO Neil Clifford told Fortune he went from cleaning toilets to running the Steve Madden–owned multimillion-dollar accessories brand by befriending his bosses along the way: “You want them to be fabulous—you want them to love you and want to help you.”


    The common thread is not talent alone, but proximity. Being known. Being remembered. Being recommended.


    Even once in the C-suite, leaders have told Fortune that they’re still turning to those connections they made at the start of their careers for genuine advice, honest feedback, and even career opportunities—decades later.


    It’s why, Paccagnini warns, this shift could quietly shape a whole generation’s trajectory: “We may see long-term consequences not just for their romantic lives, but for their capacity to collaborate, lead, and build the kind of human networks that careers depend on.”


    Because when the time comes to pick a successor, a partner, or a protégé, no executive is going to ask what your AI girlfriend thinks of you.


     

    Read full article here: Yahoo! Finance

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    Free OPIT Open Course: Data Science & AI Essentials
    OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
    OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
    June 24, 2026

    The Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) has swiftly emerged as a prominent provider of online technological education, training the leaders of tomorrow in fields like AI and data science. Typically, those wishing to benefit from this institution’s education have to enroll in one of its paid courses. However, prospective students can now get a sample of the OPIT experience via a free interactive demo course.


    Quick Summary

    • OPIT is offering a free demo course in data science and AI.
    • It includes an introductory kick-off session, followed by two in-depth lecture sessions.
    • It provides a hands-on look at the OPIT curriculum.
    • The course is led by Zorina Alliata, Director of AI Enablement at Wolters Kluwer.
    • Students will learn about AI and data science applications, strategies, and implications.

    All You Need to Know About the OPIT Demo Course

    The OPIT Open Course in Data Science and AI Essentials offers a front-row seat to the digital economy, exploring the real-world impact AI is having while providing practical insights into the intricacies of data science. Here’s a full breakdown of what it is, who’s involved, and what you’ll learn if you choose to take part.


    The Concept

    The idea of this course is to simply provide an opportunity for prospective students and interested parties to experience what OPIT has to offer without having to commit to a degree right away. It’s a way for people to get a small sample of what it’s like to learn at OPIT, using the same platform as full-time students and experiencing the same kind of educational content, as well.


    Typical OPIT courses involve a mixture of live lectures and pre-recorded content that is accessible at any time, on demand. This sample course works the same way. The original live lectures were held between late April and mid-May of 2026, but all of the content has since been saved and shared online, via the OPIT platform, remaining accessible to all.


    The Speaker

    One of the reasons why OPIT has proven so successful is its remarkable team of professors, lecturers, and experts. The institution’s rector, for example, formerly served as the Minister of Education of Italy, while many faculty members have experience working with some of the biggest brands and organizations on the planet, from Harvard Business Review to NASA.


    Taking the lead on the demo course is none other than Zorina Alliata. Former Principal AI and GenAI Strategist at Amazon and current Director of AI Enablement at Wolters Kluwer, Alliata is one of the world’s leading specialists in the field of AI, especially generative AI strategy, operations, and product management.


    The Content

    The free OPIT Open Course is divided into three distinct sessions:

    • An introductory kick-off and orientation session to introduce you to the basics of studying with OPIT. This will also explain the “Canvas” learning platform.
    • An approximately one-hour-long deep dive session into the foundations of data science, exploring the growing value of data in business today.
    • An approximately one-hour-long deep dive session into AI strategies and the impact of this emerging technology in the real world.

    During the two deep dives, you’ll learn all about how AI is transforming the digital global economy. You’ll not only be taught the basics – like key concepts and terminology associated with AI and data science – but also look at the risks and rewards associated with AI implementation and even the ethical implications of machine learning and big data.


    The Objectives

    By the end of this free online course, students should be able to:

    • Understand the fundamentals of AI and list some of its many use cases across a wide range of industries.
    • Assess the risks and advantages involved with AI adoption and governance, and detail some of the strategies related to its deployment and scaling.
    • Begin to develop their own AI scaling strategies, manage their own AI projects, and create organizational roadmaps related to AI and data science.

    Overall, those who complete this course should feel more confident and knowledgeable about the role of AI and data in business. They may feel inspired to take the next steps in their education, which could include applying for the OPIT Foundation Program or one of OPIT’s various degree programs. They’ll also be presented with a certificate of participation, which they can add to their LinkedIn profile or CV.


    How to Get Involved and Next Steps

    If you’re interested in taking part in the OPIT Open Course, the good news is that it doesn’t matter if you missed the original live sessions. As stated earlier, all of the course content has been made available to watch and re-watch at your leisure, so you can enjoy the same great experience as everyone else.


    All you have to do is visit this page and enter your details (name and email address). You should soon receive an email from OPIT confirming your registration, along with a secondary email explaining how to access the institution’s Canvas learning platform. From there, it’s simply a case of logging in and enjoying the sessions at a time that works for you.


    Key Takeaways

    • This demo course is the perfect introduction to OPIT.
    • It’s free and accessible to all.
    • Even if you missed the live lectures, you can still watch the recordings.

    Enjoy a Free Sample of the OPIT Experience Today

    If you’ve always wanted to know what it was like to study at OPIT, the Open Course in Data Science and AI Essentials is the perfect place to start. It’s also an ideal choice for those with a passion or fascination for emerging technologies, like AI, as well as those wishing to broaden their horizons and deepen their knowledge of the latest tech trends shaping our world.

    It might even turn out to be just the first step in a longer learning journey, leading to a possible degree or even a master’s program, like the MSc in Digital Business and Innovation. So, why wait? Head to the OPIT website and register for the free demo course today.

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    Capstone Project – How to Be a Successful Entrepreneur: Maria Brilaki
    OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
    OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
    April 29, 2026

    Becoming a successful entrepreneur is the dream for many aspiring inventors and creators. Maria Brilaki achieved that dream, thanks to the ability to remotely study for and achieve an MSc in Responsible Artificial Intelligence from the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT).

    She recently spoke to BlueSky Thinking about her experience studying with OPIT and her resulting MedTech development. Her insights could help other budding entrepreneurs find the right educational pathway to success.

    Quick Summary

    • Maria Brilaki is a successful entrepreneur and MedTech developer.
    • Learning with OPIT gave her the ability to utilize AI to create a medical device inspired by her diabetic daughter.
    • OPIT’s remote courses meant she could learn and work simultaneously.
    • The rigorous curriculum allowed her to develop her AI skills to the point where she could develop hardware.
    • Maria now hopes to make the personalized MedTech device she has created commercially available.

    Meet Maria Brilaki: MedTech Entrepreneur

    Maria Brilaki has had a fascinating career, first training as a civil and environmental engineer, then launching an e-learning health platform: Fitness Reloaded. She’s also written a best-selling health book and was Senior Product Manager at Fiery, a digital front-end (DFE) server and workflow solutions provider.

    While working at Fiery, Maria was the lead on many AI-powered products. However, she wanted to take things further. She wanted to get to the point where she could create with AI. That required some additional training and education. For this, she went to OPIT. OPIT’s MSc in Responsible Artificial Intelligence gave her the skills she needed to create a wearable, non-invasive device for measuring blood sugar levels.

    She now hopes to launch this product as a solution to painful needles and other invasive treatments and monitoring associated with diabetes.

    How Maria’s Invention Works

    The device brings together Maria’s passions for engineering, AI, and wellness. However, the inspiration came directly from her daughter. A few years back, Maria’s daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Since then, she’s had to endure painful injections and pin-prick blood tests, plus the skin irritation associated with current continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology. Maria noted that many current CGM devices offer delayed readings that can pose a health risk.

    Maria’s solution is based on optics and how light interacts with different compounds in the skin. The device is wearable and uses near-infrared (NIR) monitoring to assess glucose levels. There are no needles or under-skin sensors, removing the pain and irritation associated with CGM.

    The creation of this advanced MedTech device occurred as part of Maria’s OPIT MSc course. The course culminates in a Capstone Project and Dissertation. Students get the chance to work on a real-life project or piece of research with industrial relevance. Students can also pursue internships with relevant organizations to complement their project work.

    Maria chose to solve the problem of painful CGM. Her work included the development of the device, plus a careful study of 25 participants to understand the impact of the device.

    Challenges on the Road to Success

    As with any new technology, there were a few bumps in the road to success. Maria noted that the physics of the problem were very challenging. Everyone’s skin compounds are unique, making the creation of patterns for monitoring tricky. She circumvented this problem by calibrating the device to the individual.

    Maria also observed that being a female entrepreneur has its own challenges. Very few women-founded startups receive the same level of funding compared to their male-run counterparts. However, she said that having a working prototype, thanks to her OPIT studies, has changed conversations. In Maria’s words, “Hardware backed by data commands attention.”

    What’s Next for Maria?

    Maria’s ultimate goal is to remove the need for needles in blood sugar monitoring. If her device becomes widely adopted, it could take the pain out of diabetic monitoring and treatment, improving the quality of life for patients all over the world.

    Without the opportunity to learn remotely with OPIT, she would never have had the chance to apply machine learning on a person-by-person basis or create a piece of AI-powered hardware from scratch. She’s now working on commercializing the prototype and gaining FDA approval for her device.

    Key Takeaways

    • Entrepreneurs are more likely to achieve success with a working prototype of their product or service.
    • Remote education in tech-specific subjects can empower entrepreneurs to do more.
    • OPIT offers flexible, remote education for professionals and entrepreneurs wanting to expand their skillset.

    Discover Your Own Pathway to Successful Entrepreneurship

    Maria’s advice to other budding entrepreneurs is, “…focus on solving meaningful problems. The bigger the problem, the more it is worth putting your attention to. Don’t be afraid by the size of it; instead, focus on what it would mean if you were to solve it.”

    You can discover the program that led to Maria’s success at OPIT. The MSc in Responsible Artificial Intelligence is a 1.5 to two-year course that you complete remotely. It’s a fully accredited level 7 course and offers opportunities to create a meaningful project and connect with businesses across multiple industries, just like Maria.

    If you want more details on this program, get the brochure and discover how easy it is to get started with OPIT.

    FAQ

    How can an AI degree help me become a successful entrepreneur?

    An MSc in Responsible Artificial Intelligence can give you the skills you need to create something unique and tailored to solving a specific problem. You’ll learn about ethics and AI, programming, data analytics, and natural language processing, which are all skills you can combine to create something purposeful and commercially viable.

    Can I earn a Master’s degree in AI online?

    Yes, with OPIT, you can complete an MSc in AI in as little as 1.5 years, and the course is entirely remote. The final project may involve an internship with a research lab or company, or you may decide to focus entirely on the Capstone Project and Dissertation without pursuing an internship.

    How long does it take to remotely complete an MSc in Artificial Intelligence?

    The course may take up to two years to complete and is classed as a full-time course. However, many learners complete the course in as little as 1.5 years and manage to balance their studies with existing commitments and jobs.

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    Why I Chose OPIT for My MSc in Responsible AI | Students’ Experience
    OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
    OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
    April 29, 2026

    The Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) has swiftly cemented its reputation as one of the best places to study emerging technologies, like AI. Many students speak highly of the institute’s forward-thinking approach to education and a clear focus on hands-on, practical knowledge. One of those students, Cristobal Bragagnolo, recently sat down for a video interview to explain what made him choose OPIT over other options.

    Quick Summary

    • Cristobal Bragagnolo, an OPIT master’s student, was interviewed on why he chose OPIT.
    • Cristobal cited numerous advantages, like OPIT’s accessibility and the quality of the course.
    • He also spoke of the unique freedom and flexibility that only come with online learning.
    • Cristobal recommends prospective applicants consider OPIT’s distinct qualities when choosing their next educational steps.

    The Interview

    This interview was organized as a way for prospective OPIT students to learn more about what makes studying with OPIT so special, different, and beneficial in ways they might not have expected. The interviewer was Santiago Fonesca, OPIT’s International Student Recruiter, who spoke with Cristobal, a student of the Master’s Degree (MSc) in Responsible Artificial Intelligence.

    Why Cristobal Chose OPIT

    One of the first questions Cristobal was asked was why he chose OPIT over other institutions.

    Having previously studied biology at the University of Granada in southern Spain, he was clearly familiar with the world of conventional higher education and could have continued his studies at one of the many highly-rated universities in his own home nation or elsewhere in Europe. Despite this, he chose OPIT, and there were several big reasons behind that decision.

    Accessibility

    Typically, at a conventional college or university, applicants to study a course related to responsible AI would usually have some sort of background in computer science. Indeed, it would be quite difficult to get a place on a course of this kind without either a relevant bachelor’s degree or extensive working experience with technology or AI in particular.

    Cristobal knew this, explaining that “traditional universities’ programs for artificial intelligence” were only open to the likes of mathematicians or physicists. Upon finding OPIT, he realized how different it was. OPIT didn’t turn him away based on his previous, seemingly unrelated resume. Instead, he was invited to an interview and allowed to study a short “pre-course” before enrolling in the master’s program.

    For Cristobal, this was a breath of fresh air. He describes the pre-course as “amazing,” adding that it felt like a “small degree in computer science” that gave him the foundational skills and knowledge he needed to progress into the program he wanted. He was immediately impressed with how OPIT opened doors for people like him, while other, more conventional universities kept those doors firmly closed.

    Depth

    Cristobal was also asked about misconceptions people might have about the idea of studying online. He noted that there are still some outdated views that some people hold when it comes to the idea of conventional versus online education, while also acknowledging that there are some small online courses out there that simply don’t have the same depth as a real university-level course.

    But he added that, fortunately, that’s not the case at OPIT. As someone who comes from a highly academic background, Cristobal was pleased to see that OPIT courses are fully accredited and enjoy international recognition. He stated in no uncertain terms that OPIT’s MSc in Responsible AI is a genuine Master of Science degree that demands a strong level of commitment and hard work to attain.

    He added that he was impressed by the depth of knowledge and the range of topics covered in the course, and appreciated how OPIT’s instructors and lecturers focus on hands-on knowledge and real-world skills, not just reading books and memorizing facts and figures.

    Flexibility

    Cristobal also touched on the flexibility of studying with OPIT and studying online in general. He noted that OPIT courses offer a level of freedom that simply cannot be found in conventional education. They give students the ability to balance their work life and personal life, or even – like Cristobal himself – the chance to work a full or part-time job in conjunction with their studies.

    He explained how he currently works at least 30 hours per week and has other day-to-day tasks that need completing. For him, and people like him, a conventional college or university would not suffice, as he would have to adapt to the institution’s schedule, rules, and fixed geographic location. But by studying online, he’s free to live the life he wants at a pace that’s right for him.

    Cristobal also noted that the flexibility of online learning helps him lead a happier and healthier life. It gives him the time he needs to go to the gym, for example, or step outside and get some fresh air when he feels the need. It frees him to cook good meals for himself.

    A Typical Week for an OPIT Student

    Asked about a typical week in his life, Cristobal explains how, as previously mentioned, he strikes a balance between work and study, doing 30 hours at his job in AI-related work while also studying for his master’s at other times of day or in the evenings. The fact that OPIT’s lectures are pre-recorded and available on-demand allows him to be able to do this with ease.

    He adds that he finds time each day for other activities, like taking a walk, and can adjust his schedule to suit his needs and mood each week. Some weeks, he might focus a little harder on studying, for example, spending more time watching lectures live and making notes as he follows. Other times, he may rely more on OPIT’s resource bank to catch or revise certain topics.

    He concludes that studying at OPIT has effectively allowed him to have a healthy and balanced life, with equal time for work, study, and personal fulfillment. He compares it to studying for his degree in Granada and notes how he found it much more stressful to keep up with the rigorous routine and fixed constraints of a conventional university.

    A Supportive Community

    Cristobal also found time during the interview to speak favorably of the OPIT community and support network, bringing up the following key points:

    • Sense of Community: Cristobal spoke about how he felt like part of the OPIT community from minute one. He highlighted the availability and friendliness of faculty members and how they were always open and ready to respond to messages or answer questions at almost any time.
    • A Global Student Body: Cristobal also spoke favorably of the international quality of the OPIT community, noting how he has professors from different parts of the world, like the United States, Italy, and Germany, and co-learners from places in Africa and Asia.
    • Highly Qualified Staff: He also touched on the experience and accomplished nature of the OPIT staff, noting how these aren’t just lecturers or lifelong teachers, but professionals who have proven their skills in real technology businesses.

    Summing Up: Cristobal’s Advice for Applicants

    Moving forward, Cristobal plans to apply his newfound knowledge in responsible AI to the biological field. He was also asked what he’d tell those who are considering or hesitating about applying to OPIT in the coming weeks and months, noting that he’d encourage them to do their research and weigh up the pros and cons to decide if it’s the right move for them.

    Cristobal went on to note that, for many people, OPIT is definitely “one of the best options out there,” due to its peerless levels of accessibility and flexibility. He also noted how the university has a fair and flexible payment system to support different budgets and is highly welcoming even for those who may not already have STEM degrees or experience.

    If you feel like OPIT could be the right fit for you, learn more about the courses available on the OPIT website or submit your application today.

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    OPIT’s New Doctorate Program
    OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
    OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
    April 29, 2026

    The Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) has leveled up its educational offering, adding a professional doctorate program to its curated line-up of courses. The program – Professional Doctorate in Applied Artificial Intelligence – focuses on advanced AI research and the ways in which this exciting technology can be used to shape business strategies and solve organizational problems.

    Read on to learn all about it.

    Quick Summary

    • OPIT has launched a new program: Professional Doctorate in Applied Artificial Intelligence.
    • It lasts for six terms, usually spread out over three years of study (a six-year plan is also available).
    • It teaches students the skills they need to lead AI-enabled projects, strategies, and research.
    • Career pathways include AI business strategy, digital transformation, and AI governance.
    • Applicants should hold an MSc (ideally in STEM) and B2 level English proficiency.

    Introducing the New Doctorate Program at OPIT

    Since its inception, OPIT has offered a small, selective array of courses, giving students a choice of study paths without overwhelming them with too many options. It has focused primarily on bachelor’s and master’s degrees, while also offering an introductory pre-bachelor’s (foundation) program for those taking their first steps towards higher education.

    Now, OPIT is offering a whole new level of study with its Professional Doctorate in Applied Artificial Intelligence. It is available to complete on a full-time or part-time basis, and is accessible entirely online. And like other OPIT courses, this program is aimed at the AI leaders, strategists, and project managers of tomorrow, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

    It’s the highest-level program available at OPIT today, for students seeking to achieve the highest standards of knowledge and expertise in their fields. It may not be for everyone, with some students simply settling at bachelor’s or master’s levels. But for those wanting to take that extra step towards excellence, this is the course to choose.

    An Overview of OPIT’s Professional Doctorate in Applied Artificial Intelligence

    Here’s a closer look at what this course involves:

    • Duration: Six terms, spread out over three years (full-time) or six years (part-time).
    • Content: Covers foundational and applied topics in AI and technology management. Also involves students creating their own research proposals and carrying out their own investigations, culminating in a doctoral dissertation and defense.
    • Focus: Empowering students with the advanced AI research knowledge they need to conduct and even lead AI-enabled projects and strategies in their future careers.
    • Format: Delivered entirely online, allowing students to study remotely and at their own pace.
    • Assessment: Students will be assessed by completing a capstone research project and a doctoral dissertation, culminating in a defense of their dissertation before a panel of experts.

    What the Program Covers

    OPIT’s Professional Doctorate in Applied Artificial Intelligence is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to apply AI technologies strategically across numerous industries and applications. Like other OPIT programs, it combines academic rigor with real-world applications and focuses not merely on knowledge but on how to put that knowledge to use.

    The program covers three main areas of research:

    • Core AI Technologies: Including machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision
    • Industry Applications: Ways in which AI is and can be used in fields like finance, healthcare, smart cities, environment, and manufacturing
    • Responsible and Applied AI: The ethics behind AI, the fundamentals of human-centric AI, and a specialist focus on sectors like AutoML and MLOps

    During year one (of the full-time course), students will complete core modules like AI Applications in Industry. Moving into year two, they’ll focus on building their own research proposal and carrying out an initial investigation. Year three will focus exclusively on the capstone research project, dissertation, and an oral defense of said dissertation before the OPIT Examining Committee.

    Who This Doctorate Is For

    As a Doctorate program, this course is, naturally, not for everyone, but is instead aimed at a select group of applicants who already have a certain amount of expertise and/or experience in the field. Ideal applicants include:

    • Mid-to-senior professionals or executives seeking to pursue AI-powered digital transformation of their organizations or future employers
    • Domain experts who have already studied and worked with AI extensively, but want to deepen their knowledge and understanding even further
    • Applied researchers and innovators seeking to bolster the fundamental research and practical skills needed for future projects
    • Aspiring thought leaders and responsible professionals who are committed to discovering and deploying more responsible, ethical uses of AI
    • Students who have already completed their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in technology, but still want to continue their educational journeys before moving into the working world

    Benefits and Value of Studying a Professional Doctorate at OPIT

    Many universities around the world are starting to offer professional doctorate programs in AI and other emerging technologies, but studying at OPIT offers unique advantages that no other school can provide:

    • Online Learning: OPIT delivers all its courses, including this program, online. Students can tune into live lectures and access an array of pre-recorded learning materials on demand, allowing them to study at their own pace and from any location.
    • Practical Applications: Conventional studies still focus heavily on learning statistics and memorizing information. OPIT takes a different approach, focusing much more on the practical applications of knowledge to give students real-world value.
    • Strong Support: All OPIT students, at all levels of education, are part of the OPIT community. They can reach out to their tutors or fellow students at almost any time of the week for advice and assistance, as well as use the institute’s peerless array of support tools.
    • Industry Leaders: Doctorate students at OPIT will enjoy learning from some of the world’s leading experts in AI, like Pierluigi Casale, AI Area Chair at OPIT, or Filip Bialy, Professor at Adam Mickiewicz University, with over 15 years of web development and AI ethics experience.
    • Career Pathways: Those who succeed in this course will find numerous high-salary professional pathways open up to them. Graduates can move into jobs such as C-level executives, AI business strategists, AI consultants, policy advisors, or applied AI researchers.

    Entry Requirements and Fees

    Given that this is a Doctorate program, applicants will need to meet certain criteria in terms of their professional and educational background. At the same time, OPIT aims to make all of its courses as accessible as possible, so even if you don’t necessarily have a relevant master’s degree in a STEM field, there are still alternative pathways for admission into this course.

    Applicants should possess:

    • An MSc degree in a STEM discipline or a non-STEM MSc, but with five years of relevant work experience.
    • English proficiency at level B2 or better.
    • A statement of purpose outlining their intended research topic.
    • A provisional supervisory agreement form.

    Regarding fees, the total cost for this course is €24,000, with term fees of €4,000 per term for full-time students and €2,000 per term for part-time students. These fees are all-inclusive, with no hidden charges or optional extras to worry about. Funding opportunities are available via employer sponsorships or professional development funds.

    Level Up Your Education at OPIT

    So, whether you’re a seasoned tech professional looking to make better use of AI in your business, a researcher eager to uncover the next exciting applications of AI technologies, or a tech-enthusiast student who has completed their master’s and wants to take the next step, the Professional Doctorate in Applied Artificial Intelligence might be the perfect course for you. Browse the OPIT website to learn more or apply now.

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