IIM Lucknow and Emeritus Commence Chief Technology Officer Programme, Equipping Leaders to Drive Technology-led Business Transformation
Mumbai, March 6, 2026: The role of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is undergoing a significant transformation as organizations increasingly adopt artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. According to a report by McKinsey, over three-quarters of organizations are now utilizing AI in at least one business function. The rapid adoption of generative AI across various industries is reshaping the expectations placed on technology leaders.
The Evolving Role of the CTO
As per Gartner, 70% of technology leaders view generative AI as a revolutionary technology, with nearly 45% of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) co-leading digital initiatives alongside business leaders. This indicates a shift from traditional IT oversight to a more integrated approach within enterprise strategy. Consequently, the CTO’s role is evolving from merely managing infrastructure to orchestrating data, AI, and innovation throughout the value chain.
Economic Potential of Generative AI
Companies are racing to harness the economic potential of generative AI, which McKinsey estimates could create between $2.6 trillion and $4.4 trillion in annual value globally. As a result, technology leaders are increasingly expected to influence business outcomes rather than just technology architectures.
Introduction of the Chief Technology Officer Programme
In response to this growing demand for strategic leadership, the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow), ranked 5th among all business schools in India (NIRF India Ranking, 2025), has partnered with Emeritus to launch the 4th batch of the Chief Technology Officer Programme. This programme is designed to equip participants with the skills necessary to align technology strategy with business objectives, ultimately delivering measurable business impact.
Programme Objectives and Target Audience
The Chief Technology Officer Programme is tailored for:
- New, aspiring, and experienced CTOs looking to leverage technology and strategy for accelerated business outcomes.
- Emerging CTOs and CIOs aiming to build strategic acumen and innovation capabilities.
- Seasoned technology leaders focused on strengthening tech-business alignment and creating organization-wide impact.
- Business owners or leaders seeking to utilize technology for digital disruption, sustained competitiveness, and growth.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Mr. Avnish Singhal, Executive Vice President, India & APAC at Emeritus, emphasized the importance of technology leadership in today’s business landscape. He stated, “Technology leadership today is about driving meaningful business outcomes through clarity of vision and strategic agility. This programme is designed to help leaders strengthen that intersection of technology and strategy, enabling them to make high-impact decisions.”
Programme Features
The Chief Technology Officer Programme by IIM Lucknow offers an immersive learning experience that focuses on developing strategic technology leaders. Key features of the programme include:
- 100% live online lectures conducted by IIM Lucknow faculty and industry experts.
- A 3-day campus immersion at the IIM Lucknow campus, providing participants with hands-on experience.
- Insights from leading technology experts and application of learning through a capstone project guided by faculty.
- Development of a personalized CTO playbook to help participants apply their knowledge effectively.
- Opportunities for peer-to-peer networking with other CTOs.
Course Modules
The programme includes a variety of modules designed to address current technological trends and challenges. These modules cover:
- Innovating for artificial intelligence (AI)
- Value chain digitalization
- Robotics at the cutting edge
- Mastering cloud strategy and adoption
Programme Details
Here are the essential details of the Chief Technology Officer Programme:
- Start Date: March 31, 2026
- Duration: 10 months
- Mode: Live online sessions by IIM Lucknow faculty + On-Campus Immersion
- Eligibility: Any graduate/diploma holder (10+2+3) or postgraduate with a minimum of 10 years of work experience
- Fee: INR 5,35,000 + GST
- Certification: Participants will receive a certificate of completion from IIM Lucknow upon successful completion of the programme and maintaining a minimum attendance of 75 percent, along with the opportunity to gain IIM Lucknow Executive Alumni status.
About IIM Lucknow
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow is one of the premier management institutes in India, dedicated to generating and imparting knowledge in the field of management. IIM Lucknow is recognized for its committed faculty, innovative pedagogical tools, and diverse student community. The institute’s PGPM, IPMX, and PGPWE programmes have received accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA). IIM Lucknow was the fourth institution in India to achieve dual accreditation status (AACSB in 2020, while AMBA was already in place), a distinction held by only about 5% of institutions worldwide.
About Emeritus
Emeritus offers customized and open programs in collaboration with leading institutions such as IIM Lucknow, IIM Calcutta, ISB, Harvard Business School, MIT Sloan, and others. Their executive education programs provide immersive learning experiences integrated with actionable insights and practical applications. Emeritus operates globally, with offices in major cities including Mumbai, New Delhi, Singapore, and New York, and is backed by prominent investors including the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and SoftBank Vision Fund 2.
For more information about the Chief Technology Officer Programme, visit the official programme page.
Note: This article is based on a press release and aims to provide an overview of the Chief Technology Officer Programme launched by IIM Lucknow and Emeritus.
