OCTD Oxford Executive Programme 2026 — Advanced Topics in Sustainability and AI
Executive Programme at the University of Oxford
"Advanced Topics in Sustainability and AI" is a two-day executive programme convened at St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford, organised by the Oxford Centre for Technology and Development (OCTD).
Building on the success of our previous executive training (29-30 June 2026), this programme brings together a limited cohort of senior leaders for focused academic engagement and strategic dialogue on emerging critical challenges at the intersection of technology and climate strategy.
Scheduled just one month ahead of COP31, the programme presents a timely opportunity for stakeholders to drive meaningful impact and align strategic efforts in the lead-up to the conference. For those attending New York Climate Week (held the preceding week), Oxford serves as an ideal layover.
Focus Areas
Carbon Dioxide Removal, Zero Waste & Industrial Decarbonisation
Sustainability & Artificial Intelligence
Carbon Markets, Critical Materials & Sustainable Finance
Programme Structure
Day One — Monday 28 September 2026: Interactive Training Sessions (St Edmund Hall)
Faculty-led lectures on carbon dioxide removal, industrial decarbonisation, and sustainability and AI, including:
Carbon Dioxide Removal & Greenhouse Gas Removal — Professor Steve Smith, Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment
Sustainability & Artificial Intelligence — Dr Amani Maalouf, Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment
Climate Finance — Dr Abrar Chaudhury, Saïd Business School
Day Two — Tuesday 29 September 2026: Exclusive Meetings and Private Roundtables
Roundtable sessions with leading Oxford research centres, including:
Carbon Markets & Carbon Accounting — Professor Karthik Ramanna, E-Ledger Institute
Critical Minerals: Raw Materials for Energy Transition — Dr Metehan Ciftci, Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment
Potential further roundtables on Sustainable Finance, Green Procurement, and Climate & Youth
The provisional programme agenda and full speaker profiles will be announced in early September.
Participation
Participation Fee The participation fee is structured based on participant profile and institutional category.
The regular fee is GBP 2,000 per participant, with a preferential rate of 20% discount for two participants from the same organisation (GBP 3,600 for two participants).
Confirmation
All applications are subject to review. Selected applicants will be granted pre-approval, with final confirmation issued upon receipt of the participation fee. Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to submit an expression of interest early.
Contact & Registration
You can register through Luma. For further details regarding participation, please contact:
Dr Emre Eren Korkmaz — emre.korkmaz@octd.co.uk
John Can Gurkan — can.gurkan@octd.co.uk
Watch our June programme highlights:
About OCTD
Oxford Centre for Technology and Development (OCTD) is a technology commercialisation and capacity building organisation working with academic, corporate, and financial stakeholders to advance solutions for climate change.
We look forward to welcoming you, together with a distinguished group of senior leaders, to Oxford.