Connect with us

Technology

Simplilearn and UC Santa Barbara Professional and Continuing Education Collaborate to launch the Applied Generative AI Specialization program

Published

on

PLANO, Texas, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Simplilearn, a global leader in digital upskilling, in collaboration with UC Santa Barbara Professional and Continuing Education (UCSB PaCE), will be delivering Applied Generative AI Specialization. The program covers 50+ hours of live classes led by industry experts and 16+ hours of self-learning, complemented by hands-on experience through 7+ real-world projects and a capstone project. Through a comprehensive curriculum, learners build expertise in GenAI, from foundational AI literacy to advanced Generative AI, agentic frameworks, and governance.

Generative AI is expected to add nearly $4.4 trillion to the global economy annually, signalling the growing need for professionals who can implement agentic frameworks and build autonomous AI systems for real-world business applications (Source: McKinsey & Company). This program has been developed to address this gap, and will help learners gain the skills to design and deploy AI-powered chatbots using OpenAI models and advanced prompt engineering, and address these evolving industry demands.

The projects included in the curriculum are meant to translate theoretical knowledge into practical skills, such as a personal expense tracker and task manager with user authentication, AI-Powered HR Assistant, AI-driven design generator, AI-Powered Business Intelligence Assistant, and image generation apps using OpenAI, LangChain, and RAG frameworks. Towards the end, the capstone project, will consolidate  their newly acquired capabilities through hands-on work that integrates learnings from across the modules into a portfolio-ready solution.

Speaking about the program, Mr. Kashyap Dalal, Cofounder and COO of Simplilearn, said, “There is a surge in tech adoption across industries, and Generative AI is similarly advancing. Today, when we think of AI, we think of capabilities such as AI literacy, Generative AI fundamentals, and large language model (LLM) architecture, all of which are core to this program. The learning path has been carefully designed to align with the most in-demand skill sets across industries. Our collaboration with UCSB PaCE further strengthens this vision by supporting professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the evolving AI landscape.”

In addition to the compulsory modules, learners can choose two electives to deepen their practical understanding of Generative AI. The Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals: Generative AI course introduces core concepts such as large language models, Azure OpenAI Service, prompt optimisation, and responsible AI principles. The Microsoft Copilot Foundations course further has key learnings on building and managing copilots, exploring Azure AI Studio, and developing RAG-based solutions using real data. Additionally, the program includes an exclusive masterclass with an industry expert that delves into advanced GenAI topics and emerging trends

Denis Couturier, Dean at UC Santa Barbara Professional and Continuing Education, said, “Professionals must continuously upskill with the latest and cutting-edge tools to make the most effective use of emerging technologies. This collaboration aims to deliver a comprehensive Generative AI  training that blends academic rigor with practical application. The program explores the core building blocks of Generative AI, including neural networks, GANs and transformers, while offering hands-on learning through live sessions and projects to ensure learners gain conceptual depth and industry skills.”

Through the course, learners will gain access to Simplilearn Career Services for targeted job assistance and extended guidance to help turn job searches into success stories, including career services workshops, networking, interview preparation, assessments, and AI-powered profile optimization. The program also offers flexible learning through session recordings and 24/7 access to Simplilearn’s LMS. Upon program completion, learners will  earn a certificate of completion from UC Santa Barbara Professional and Continuing Education and Simplilearn.. Additionally, they will earn individual course completion certificates hosted on the Microsoft Learn portal for Microsoft courses.

About UC Santa Barbara Professional & Continuing Education

The University of California, Santa Barbara is a top-ranked public research university, consistently recognized among the top 15 public universities in the U.S. UCSB is home to 8 Nobel Laureates, 10 national research centres and institutes, and 34 National Academy of Engineering members, reflecting its strong academic excellence, innovation, and real-world impact. UC Santa Barbara Professional and Continuing Education empowers professionals and lifelong learners with essential skills through flexible certificate programs, professional courses, workshops, and seminars across diverse fields such as business, technology, and more. UCSB PaCE is collaborating with Simplilearn to deliver industry-aligned, online non-credit professional programs. This collaboration combines UCSB’s globally recognized academic reputation with Simplilearn’s immersive learning model, featuring live virtual classes, applied projects, and career-focused curriculum. Learners benefit from studying with a top-ranked UC institution while gaining job-ready skills and career support designed to drive immediate and measurable professional impact.

About Simplilearn

Founded in 2010, Simplilearn, a Blackstone portfolio company, is a global leader in digital upskilling, enabling learners across the globe with access to world-class training for individuals and businesses. Simplilearn offers 1,500+ live classes each month across 150+ countries, impacting over 8 million learners worldwide. Its programs are designed and delivered in collaboration with world-renowned universities, top corporations, and leading industry bodies. From early-career professionals to managers, executives, small businesses, and large enterprises, Simplilearn’s role-based, skill-focused, industry-recognized, and globally relevant training programs provide ideal upskilling solutions for diverse career or business goals.

For more information, please visit www.simplilearn.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2953784/5931890/UC_Santa_Barbara_Logo.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2946670/5898572/Simplilearn_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/simplilearn-and-uc-santa-barbara-professional-and-continuing-education-collaborate-to-launch-the-applied-generative-ai-specialization-program-302750489.html

SOURCE Simplilearn Solutions Private Limited

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Chaberton Energy RFP Seeks Farming Partners for two Maryland Agrivoltaics Projects

Published

on

By

Agrivoltaics co-locates solar facilities and agricultural activity while creating access to lower-cost energy for community members during a time of spiking prices.

Chaberton is partnering with Okovate Sustainable Energy to select farmers for the Montgomery County, Md., projects.

ROCKVILLE, Md., April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chaberton Energy invites Maryland farmers to respond to two requests for proposal (RFPs) to farm up to 27 acres of land in Montgomery County as part of an agrivoltaics initiative. Agrivoltaics is the practice of co-locating solar power projects with farming activities.

This opportunity will provide selected farmers with access to land at no cost as well as compensation for vegetation management at the site. Chaberton is working with Okovate Sustainable Energy to solicit and evaluate proposals from farmers interested in using the land under and between the projects’ rows of solar panels for crop farming and/or animal grazing.

The RFPs come at a time when Maryland imports more than 40% of its electricity, leaving ratepayers exposed to volatile wholesale prices. These projects bring distributed solar closer to the communities that need it most, providing lower-cost energy to nearly 1,000 local households while supporting agricultural businesses in the area.

“These projects are among Montgomery County’s first agrivoltaics projects,” said Ryan Boswell, vice president of development for Chaberton Energy. “Everybody benefits when farmers, communities, local governments and energy developers work together toward a shared set of goals.”

The solar projects align with Maryland’s renewable energy and agricultural sustainability goals. Selected farmers will develop tailored farming plans for each site and seek the required review from the Montgomery County Office of Agriculture.

“Together we’re building out the energy network we need while keeping agricultural land productive,” said Miles Braxton, CEO and co-founder of Okovate. “This is an opportunity to provide land access to local farmers looking to expand or start their operations, while also leasing land for solar that helps meet the growing energy demand.”

Chaberton Solar Sugarloaf in Dickerson, Md., will have a generating capacity of 5.23 megawatts. It spans 19 acres, with 16 acres covered by the solar array and a 3-acre buffer zone. Approximately 10 acres of land in between solar panel rows and a total of 13 acres are available for agricultural use.

Chaberton Solar Ramiere in Poolesville, Md., is a 3.88 megawatt project spanning 11 acres, with approximately 8 acres covered by the solar array and a 2-acre buffer zone. Approximately 5 acres of land in between solar panel rows and a total of 7 acres are available for agricultural use.

Farmers or agricultural operators responding to the RFPs must submit a proposal that provides a clear vision for how they will utilize one or both agrivoltaics sites and outlines their approach to vegetation management, agricultural production and sustainable practices. Complete information as well as application forms are available at chaberton.com/RFP26.

About Chaberton Energy
Chaberton Energy is a public benefit corporation developing community-scale energy projects, with a focus on distributed solar and battery energy storage. A national developer with roots in the communities it serves, Chaberton is a two-time Inc. 5000 awardee, ranking in 2025 as the No. 53 fastest-growing private company in America and the No. 2 energy company on the list. With a commitment to creativity, excellence, and humanity, Chaberton’s team develops distributed solar and battery energy storage projects that improve grid reliability and resilience while lowering electricity costs for community members and businesses.

Media Contact
Lia Morrison 
lia.morrison@chaberton.com 
412-573-9095

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chaberton-energy-rfp-seeks-farming-partners-for-two-maryland-agrivoltaics-projects-302752253.html

SOURCE Chaberton Energy

Continue Reading

Technology

Empire Asset Finance Adds Katharine Rudzitis as Vice President, Direct Originations

Published

on

By

Empire Asset Finance, LLC (“Empire”) has added Katharine Rudzitis as Vice President, Direct Originations, further expanding the firm’s direct origination capabilities as it continues to scale its equipment finance platform serving middle-market, private equity-sponsored, and non-sponsored companies.

NEW YORK, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Empire Asset Finance, LLC (“Empire”) has added Katharine Rudzitis as Vice President, Direct Originations, further expanding the firm’s direct origination capabilities as it continues to scale its equipment finance platform serving middle-market, private equity-sponsored, and non-sponsored companies.

Rudzitis brings more than a decade of experience originating and executing asset-backed transactions for North American businesses. She partners closely with corporate borrowers, private equity sponsors, and advisors to deliver flexible, tailored equipment financing solutions across a wide range of company stages and credit profiles.

Prior to joining Empire, Rudzitis spent ten years at Macquarie Group, where she focused on providing equipment finance solutions for clients across the manufacturing, industrial, commodity, and technology sectors.

“Katharine brings deep experience navigating complex equipment and asset-backed transactions and a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to serving middle-market clients,” said Rick Rockhold, CEO of Empire. “She understands how to deliver flexible capital solutions that align with sponsor and borrower objectives, and we are excited to have her join Empire as we continue to grow our direct origination platform.”

“Her institutional background and disciplined approach to sourcing and executing transactions are highly aligned with how we operate,” said Mike Miroshnikov, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Credit Officer of Empire. “Katharine brings a strong ability to navigate complex situations, combined with a structured, process-driven mindset that supports consistency and high-quality outcomes across a wide range of client needs.”

In her role, Rudzitis will focus on expanding Empire’s direct origination efforts and deepening relationships with private equity sponsors, corporate borrowers, and advisors.

Rudzitis holds a BA in Mathematics, English, and Classics from Amherst College.

About Empire Asset Finance, LLC

Empire Asset Finance, LLC is a direct private credit lender focused on mid-to large-ticket equipment financing solutions for underserved middle-market companies. Backed by Arena Investors LP, Empire delivers flexible capital structures, white-glove service, and technology-driven execution that empowers businesses to grow while preserving liquidity.

About Arena Investors, LP

Arena Investors, LP is a global institutional asset manager founded in 2015 by Daniel Zwirn, a veteran investor with over two decades of experience building alternative asset platforms. Arena is a global multi-strategy investment firm with approximately $4.6 billion of assets under management and programmatic capital as of June 30, 2025. The firm is a subsidiary of Arena Investors Group Holdings (“AIGH”). AIGH, along with its affiliate, Ceres Life Insurance, comprises the Westaim Corporation (TSXV: “WED”), an integrated asset management and life insurance and annuity provider.

Media Contact

Rick Rockhold, Empire Asset Finance, LLC, 1 7189643439, rrockhold@empireassetfinance.com, http://www.empireassetfinance.com/ 

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/empire-asset-finance-adds-katharine-rudzitis-as-vice-president-direct-originations-302751354.html

SOURCE Empire Asset Finance, LLC

Continue Reading

Technology

OverActive Media to Host Fourth Quarter 2025 Conference Call

Published

on

By

TORONTO, April 23, 2026 /CNW/ – OverActive Media Corp. (“OverActive” or the “Company”) (TSXV: OAM) (OTC: OAMCF) (WKN: A3CSPU) (FSE: 0RB), a global digital media, esports and entertainment company for today’s generation of fans will report its fourth quarter 2025 results after market close on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The Company will hold a conference call the following day, call hosted by Adam Adamou, CEO and Co-Founder.

WHAT: Q4 2025 Earnings Conference Call

WHEN: Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET
Please connect at least 15 minutes before the conference call.

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION

To join the conference call without operator assistance, you may register and enter your phone number at https://emportal.ink/4tu24C0 to receive an instant automated callback. 

You can also dial directly to be entered into the call by an operator.

Call Details: 416-945-7677 or 1-888-699-1199

The conference call will be webcast live in its entirety at 9:00 a.m. ET at https://app.webinar.net/lqrNZlWd29V, and it will be archived for three months.

Links to SEDAR filings and press releases are available on the investor website at https://overactivemedia.com/pages/filings

TELEPHONIC REPLAY

Call Details: 289-819-1450 or 1-888-660-6345
Encore Replay Entry Code: 96797 #
Encore Replay Expiration Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026

About OverActive Media

OverActive Media Corp. (TSXV: OAM) (OTC:OAMCF) (WKN:A3CSPU) (FSE:0RB) is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with operations in Madrid, Spain and Berlin, Germany, is a premier global esports and entertainment company for today’s generation of fan. OverActive Media owns team franchises in professional esports leagues, including the Call of Duty League, operating as the Toronto KOI, the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC), operating as Movistar KOI, operating as Movistar KOI in other professional esports leagues and competitions. OverActive also operates ActiveVoices, an AI-driven content localization and monetization platform that enables creators and brands to expand their audiences globally and unlock new revenue streams through automated translation, dubbing, and distribution.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Overactive Media Corp.

Continue Reading

Trending