Evolving from being online learning platform to AI-powered one'

Hugo Sarrazin, chief executive officer of Nasdaq-listed skills development platform Udemy believes that artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing in a fundamental shift in the way online learning is delivered. In his first media interaction since he took the role in March, he tells Shivani Shinde in Mumbai about AI in learning, and how significant a market India is for the company. Edited excerpts:

- Hugo Sarrazin, chief executive officer of Nasdaq-listed skills development platform Udemy

How is AI impacting online learning and how is it different compared to a few years ago?

Online learning is a very interesting space. It was a great innovation 15 years ago — it changed access, allowed us to reach remote villages around the world, and created an economy for instructors.

But it didn't really change the modality — how people learn. At best, it was only as effective as a large classroom setting.

What excites me now is that AI represents a turning point. With AI, we can finally change the learning modality. It allows us to personalize the learning experience, and that's a massive opportunity.

How does AI impact Udemy?

Udemy is a marketplace that brings together learners and creators. On the learner's side, we're evolving from being just an online learning platform to becoming an AI-powered reskilling and upskilling platform. That may sound like a small shift, but it represents a major transformation. We're no longer just offering content — we're building complete learning journeys with assessments, personalized learning paths, labs, videos, and even role plays.