Simplilearn and UC Santa Barbara Launch Agentic AI for Leaders Program

The new program trains professionals in building and leading agentic AI systems.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:21pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a complex, interconnected multi-agent AI system, with various components pulsing with neon cyan and magenta lights, conveying the dynamism and sophistication of agentic AI technologies.An intricate, illuminated visualization of the advanced AI systems that will power the next generation of autonomous decision-making.Plano Today

Simplilearn, a global leader in digital upskilling, has collaborated with UC Santa Barbara Professional and Continuing Education (UCSB PaCE) to launch the Agentic AI for Leaders: Systems, Design & Impact program. The 10-week program aims to train professionals with agentic AI capabilities through live virtual classes, online self-learning modules, and hands-on projects. The curriculum covers Python with AI, Foundations of AI, Agentic AI, Multi-Agent Ecosystem, Model Context, and Tooling Protocol, preparing learners to build and manage next-generation autonomous AI solutions.

Why it matters

The rise of agentic AI is driving organizations to shift from AI experimentation to large-scale deployment. This program reflects this shift by incorporating GenAI tools and technologies, and preparing professionals to design and lead agentic AI systems that can autonomously reason, plan, and execute workflows.

The details

The program features 40+ demos, 10+ guided practices, 30+ tools and frameworks, and 7 hands-on course-end projects. It concludes with a comprehensive capstone where learners design and assemble a four-agent system that performs coordinated market research and go-to-market analysis. Learners will also have access to peer-to-peer engagement on Slack and dedicated cohort support throughout the learning journey.

  • The program was launched on April 13, 2026.

The players

Simplilearn

A global leader in digital upskilling, founded in 2010 and a Blackstone portfolio company.

UC Santa Barbara Professional and Continuing Education (UCSB PaCE)

The continuing education division of the University of California, Santa Barbara, a top-ranked public research university.

Kashyap Dalal

Co-founder and COO of Simplilearn.

Denis Couturier

Dean at UCSB PaCE.

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What they’re saying

“Agentic AI represents the next phase of AI adoption, where systems move from assisting tasks to autonomously reasoning, planning, and executing workflows. Our collaboration with UCSB PaCE aims to deliver both academic depth and strong industry relevance.”

— Kashyap Dalal, Co-founder and COO of Simplilearn

“We are glad to collaborate with Simplilearn to support learning that contributes to the future of AI development. Through this collaboration, we are aiming to prepare professionals who will build interfaces and design intelligent behaviors.”

— Denis Couturier, Dean at UCSB PaCE

What’s next

Learners who complete the program will earn a certificate of completion from UC Santa Barbara Professional and Continuing Education and Simplilearn. They will also earn Microsoft Learn badges on the Microsoft Learn portal for the Microsoft-branded courses.

The takeaway

This program aims to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to design, build, and lead the next generation of autonomous AI systems, as organizations shift from AI experimentation to large-scale deployment.