EdTech heavyweight Udemy is ramping up its AI credentials with the formation of the Udemy Innovation Studio. This new arm is dedicated to crafting next-generation tools that rethink how individuals and companies prepare for the future of work.
Scalable Personalised Learning for the AI Era
Udemy has introduced the Innovation Studio to accelerate skill development in the age of AI. “The Udemy Innovation Studio is where bold ideas to redefine the future of skilling and work come to life,” said Hugo Sarrazin, President and CEO of Udemy.
“AI is transforming what people need to know and how they apply that knowledge in every industry.” The Studio utilises a global network of learners and instructors to deliver more adaptive and relevant educational content which is built on Udemy’s two-sided platform.
Executive-Focused AI Training
The first major initiative from Udemy’s Innovation Studio, AI for Business Leaders, is geared toward non-technical executives facing the operational impact of AI. The course is led by Helen Lee Kupp, founder of Women Defining AI and co-founder of Future Forum.
The programme adapts in real time, with a modular framework and AI-assisted personalisation based on each learner’s role and experience. The goal is to equip leaders to use AI strategically as innovation accelerates.
Interactive and Adaptive Learning Design
The Innovation Studio is moving away from traditional video-only learning formats, emphasising interactivity and personalisation. Its dual focus on multi-modal experiences and AI-driven pathways introduces simulations, assessments, and modular tracks tailored to real-world scenarios.
The content changes in real time to align with each learner’s journey, with large language models and recommendation systems guiding the experience.
Experiential Tools for Practical Skilling
The Innovation Studio is actively developing immersive features aimed at simulating real-world environments, further enhancing its AI-native approach, including AI-powered roleplay simulations for practising high-stakes conversations, such as job interviews and conflict resolution, and a VR public speaking simulator that places users in lifelike presentation settings.
These AI tools represent “a meaningful shift from passive content consumption to active, experiential skilling,” pushing learners to engage with content in ways that closely mirror the challenges they’ll face in their careers.
Embedding Innovation into Platform Strategy
Udemy is integrating its Innovation Studio into the core of its platform strategy, with new pilots, features, and AI-driven learning pathways on the horizon. “The Innovation Studio is not a standalone initiative; it is now embedded into Udemy’s product and platform strategy,” said CEO Hugo Sarrazin. “It enables us to move faster, personalise more deeply, and scale more intelligently so we can better support the individuals and organisations who depend on Udemy to grow.”