In January 2026, Católica Porto Business School will launch a new Postgraduate Programme in Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence. The programme comes at a time when digitisation and automation are reshaping entire sectors, creating challenges for Portuguese companies seeking staff prepared to lead this technological leap.
João Vieira, one of the directors of the postgraduate programme, general director of technology at MDS, highlights the relevance of the moment. "Digital transformation and artificial intelligence are no longer a prediction of the future; they are a present reality. This postgraduate course provides practical tools and direct contact with the market, so that those who pass through here can immediately apply what they learn."
The new offering combines modules on digital management, practical projects, and five masterclasses dedicated to topics such as startup ecosystems, cybersecurity, data-driven organisations, and impactful Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategies. One of the highlights is the Masterclass' AI Strategy and Implementation', taught by Amit Joshi, one of the world's leading names in AI, data analysis and marketing strategy, who is a professor at IMD Business School. In addition to the session with Amit Joshi, participants will also have the opportunity to attend a masterclass with Manuela Veloso, Head of J.P. Morgan AI Research, and Herbert A. Simon University Professor Emeritus at the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University.
For Luís Marques, co-director of the postgraduate programme and Chief Corporate Centre Officer at Rangel Invest, "Portugal needs professionals who know how to link strategic vision to technological mastery. It is this link between management and technology that we want to strengthen, preparing staff who can transform their organisations and generate value in an increasingly digital economy".
In addition to masterclasses with leading names in the national and international Artificial Intelligence scene, the postgraduate programme also boasts partnerships with companies that stand out in this field, such as Salesforce and Konica Minolta.
The course thus reinforces Católica Porto Business School's strategy as a business school that is attentive to the needs of companies and aligned with international best practices. Applications for the first edition open in September, and the course will be taught on an after-work basis, with a start date set for January 2026.