will.i.am drums up agentic AI course with Arizona State University for 2026 launch
Photo credit: Samantha Chow/Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) has announced that music superstar and tech innovator will.i.am will join the institution as a professor of practice to design and teach a new course on agentic AI.
The development was revealed in LinkedIn posts by Sean Hobson, ASU Chief Design Officer, and Michael Crow, ASU President.
Music superstar takes on higher ed role
Will.i.am, known globally for his music career and as founder of FYI.AI, will teach The Agentic Self starting in spring 2026. The 15-week course will focus on combining foundational AI knowledge with the development of a universal AI learning companion. Hobson said on LinkedIn, “More BIG NEWS! Will.i.am joins Arizona State University as professor of practice and is cooking up a new course called #agentic #self with Michael Crow.”
Crow linked the appointment to ASU’s broader AI strategy. “Artificial intelligence is transforming how we think about education, work and technology. Higher education’s responsibility is not just to train people to use these tools but also to shape how they are understood, applied and governed for society’s benefit,” he said. The course will be taught partly from will.i.am’s Hollywood studio, with students joining in person and online.
Partnership builds new platforms and opportunities
The collaboration also introduces EDU.FYI, a platform being built with ASU, NVIDIA, and will.i.am’s FYI.AI to give students tools to create and work with AI agents. Richard Kerris, Vice President of Media and Entertainment at NVIDIA, said, “Built on the NVIDIA AI stack, this collaboration with ASU, FYI.AI and will.i.am creates a foundation for the next generation of leaders to develop the skills to create and work with AI agents in ways that are empathetic, ethical and empowering.”
Will.i.am described the appointment as a personal milestone. “This professorship marks a new chapter in my life,” he said. “From creating global unifying music to establishing my i.am Angel Foundation, which empowers 15,000 Los Angeles area high school students with STEM skills and sends thousands to college, I find the answer to my question ‘Where’s the love?’ in this course. The Agentic Self represents a solution to AI replacing human jobs.”
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026
The EdTech Innovation Hub Awards celebrate excellence in global education technology, with a particular focus on workforce development, AI integration, and innovative learning solutions across all stages of education.
Now open for entries, the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the companies, platforms, and individuals driving transformation in the sector, from AI-driven assessment tools and personalized learning systems, to upskilling solutions and digital platforms that connect learners with real-world outcomes.
Submissions are open to organizations across the UK, the Americas, and internationally. Entries should highlight measurable impact, whether in K–12 classrooms, higher education institutions, or lifelong learning settings.
Winners will be announced on 14 January 2026 as part of an online showcase featuring expert commentary on emerging trends and standout innovation. All winners and finalists will also be featured in our first print magazine, to be distributed at BETT 2026.
