By Emmanuel Oluebube, Senior Correspondent UK and Ifeoma Asika, Senior Correspondent Campuses

Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education has announced the launch of its Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Programme for technology professionals in senior management roles who are seeking career progression to a company-wide leadership position.

 Launched in partnership with Emeritus, the global leader in making high-quality upskilling education accessible and affordable, this 9- to 12-month programme will help participants prepare for the C-suite through collaborative projects and immersive online learning.

With technology becoming core to company success, the role of CTO has taken on elevated importance in the C-suite. Organisations are looking for dynamic, future-focused tech leaders to steer the business forward. However, finding the right person with the requisite skill set can be challenging. The Cambridge CTO Programme aims to bridge this gap.

The programme stands out for its emphasis on how multiple types of innovation contribute to the organization’s position, and the role of tech in this. It enables participants to understand how innovation from multiple sources can drive business transformation. Participants will explore strategy development and execution, innovation types and processes, and the influence of culture and leadership style. Furthermore, they will understand how to manage innovation flows across the organisation and work with external partners while staying cognisant of ethical imperatives. Real-life case studies, fireside chats and peer interaction bring insightful perspectives to the programme.

Cambridge Judge Business School has an advantageous location at the heart of the largest technology cluster in Europe, also known as Silicon Fen. The programme is designed by eminent Cambridge faculty and industry experts who are solving real-world business problems. Professor of Operations and Technology Management and the programme’s Faculty Director, Christoph Loch is renowned for his research into how organisations make innovation happen. “Modern CTOs are expected to articulate a vision of how innovation and technology can be used to reimagine their organisation. Technical expertise is essential but it must be paired with robust strategic thinking, business acumen and interpersonal skills to deliver results. We at Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education are excited to launch this impactful programme to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and capabilities to thrive as a CTO today,” said Loch.

The comprehensive curriculum consists of five core modules spanning 26 weeks, two online electives taught over six weeks each, and a three-day on-campus networking and graduation event. The core modules provide a foundation in the key parameters of technology leadership, while the electives deep-dive into select aspects of innovation and technology. Experiential learning enables participants to put the concepts they learn into practice immediately. In addition, participants will work closely with a personal success coach to guide them toward achieving their goals.

“Now is the ideal time for senior technology professionals to invest in development that will position them to meet the growing demand for visionary tech leaders who can embrace change and keep their organisations ahead of the curve. We are delighted to partner with Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education to help aspiring CTOs accelerate their careers,” said President of University Partnerships at Emeritus, Lisa Rohrer.

The programme is priced at US$20,000, which includes all materials, teaching fees, and access to online coursework. It starts in July 2022 and is open for enrolment through Emeritus.