University News

WNE and BCube Analytics Inc. Partner to Launch the NextGen Enterprise Academy for Executives and Professionals 

Published: October 23, 2025 | Categories: Business, All News
Charles Mutigwe, associate professor of Business Analytics and Program Director at WNE FinTech, College of Business Dean Sharianne Walker and Saji Nair, co-founder and CEO of BCube Analytics

Charles Mutigwe, associate professor of Business Analytics and Program Director at WNE FinTech, College of Business Dean Sharianne Walker and Saji Nair, co-founder and CEO of BCube Analytics

WNE FinTech at Western New England University (WNE) has partnered with BCube Analytics Inc. of Fall River, MA, to launch the NextGen Enterprise Academy, a new executive and professional education initiative designed to upskill the regional workforce through advanced technology training. 

The Academy offers hybrid courses—delivered online, on campus, or on-site for organizations—across Massachusetts, Connecticut, Southern Vermont, Southern New Hampshire, and New York’s Capital District. Programs and certificates focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, FinTech, the Internet of Things (IoT), quantum computing, and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR). 

The Academy leverages WNE FinTech’s high-performance AI computing cluster—funded by a $1.37 million grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and MassTech—positioning WNE as a regional hub for innovation and workforce development. 

“This partnership allows Western New England University to extend our educational mission to the broader professional community,” said Charles Mutigwe, associate professor of Business Analytics and Program Director at WNE FinTech. “By combining WNE’s academic expertise with BCube’s industry insight, we’re delivering accessible, forward-looking curricula that help leaders implement emerging technologies effectively and ethically.” 

Certificate Programs 

The Academy launched with two initial credentials: 

Executive Certificate in AI: Practical Skills and Compliance – Developed jointly by BCube Analytics and Batoi Systems, this flagship program equips executives and emerging leaders with hands-on AI skills, an understanding of compliance and governance, and strategic insight into responsible AI adoption. 

Professional Certificate in Enterprise Systems – Designed for professionals seeking to master enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools, this program explores how systems such as SAP S/4HANA and SAP Signavio integrate organizational functions, reduce information silos, and enable innovations like agentic AI and digital twinning. 

“Our mission at BCube Analytics is to help organizations harness AI responsibly,” said Saji Nair, co-founder and CEO of BCube Analytics. “By partnering with WNE, we’re ensuring executives gain both technical fluency and the compliance mindset needed to innovate with confidence.” 

Courses are taught by WNE faculty with more than two decades of expertise in business process design, operations management, and information systems. Additional certificates will be introduced in the coming months. 

Custom Learning and Digital Delivery 

The NextGen Enterprise Academy also collaborates with organizations seeking tailored training solutions. Courses are delivered through the Batoi Academy learning management platform, developed by Batoi Systems Inc. 

“Batoi is committed to enabling transformative learning experiences through technology,” said Dr. Ashwini Kumar Rath, CEO of Batoi Systems. “Our platform ensures busy professionals can access advanced training wherever they are, helping business leaders embrace next-generation technologies in a compliant, practical way.” 

A Collaborative Ecosystem 

The partnership was facilitated by the Mass FinTech Hub (MFTH), of which both WNE and BCube Analytics are members. Leaders from WNE FinTech and BCube first developed the concept for the Academy through MFTH networking events, with several members of the Hub community contributing to program design and promotion. 

Learn more about the NextGen Enterprise Academy at wne.edu/fintech/nextgen-enterprise-academy.