Collaborating With Microsoft and the U.N., the Gabelli School Creates a Course—“Agentic AI With Copilot”—That Addresses Critical Global Issues Using Innovative Technologies

Graduate | Jun 11, 2025 | Gabelli School of Business

A newly created Gabelli School of Business course, “Agentic AI With Copilot,” offers graduate students the chance to dive into the cutting-edge world of artificial intelligence while making a difference. Unlike traditional AI, which relies on predefined rules, agentic AI is capable of reasoning, planning, and making autonomous decisions, unlocking vast potential for automation and innovative problem-solving. This hands-on course, developed in collaboration with Microsoft and the United Nations, teaches students how to build and enhance intelligent systems using Microsoft Copilot.

Microsoft Copilot is a powerful AI tool designed to boost productivity by seamlessly integrating with Microsoft 365 applications. It assists users by generating content, automating routine tasks, and providing smart recommendations. To help students grasp the full potential of Copilot, Chris Coulthrust, partner technology strategist at Microsoft, led a workshop that gave students direct experience with the tool.

In the “Agentic AI With Copilot” course, in addition to classroom learning, students apply their skills to real-world challenges. In this case, as part of the collaboration with the United Nations, students created AI prototypes that supported global efforts in sustainability, disaster response, and public health which they presented at “The Garage,” Microsoft’s official outlet for experimental projects. As a result of the presentations, which were delivered to an audience of over 20 officials from the United Nations and three representatives from Microsoft, several students were offered internships and four of the projects were selected to be showcased at “From Campus to UN 2.0: AI Built by Academic Partners at Fordham University,” a virtual event taking place during UN 2.0 Week, the annual series of virtual events that connect U.N. system colleagues and partners using data, digital transformation and innovation to contribute to the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals. The participants were also given an exclusive visit to the U.N. headquarters, enhancing their inspiring work on projects with the potential to have meaningful global impact.

Yilu Zhou, Ph.D., associate professor and area chair, Information, Technology, and Operations at the Gabelli School and program director of its newly launched M.S. in Artificial Intelligence in Business, noted, “By combining hands-on training, industry collaborations, and real-world applications, this course prepares students to be at the forefront of the evolving AI landscape while addressing some of the most urgent challenges facing the world today.”

Jorge Martinez Navarrete, Head, Innovation Unit at the United Nations, Professor Yilu Zhou, Ph.D., and Chris Coulthrust

“What I love about this course is that we’re treated like professionals, not just students. We’re given real responsibilities and trusted to work on projects at the same level as industry experts,” added Ruby Lee, an M.S. in Business Analytics student. “Building autonomous AI systems with Microsoft Copilot and contributing to impactful global initiatives has been both challenging and rewarding. It’s incredible to see how AI can truly drive positive change.”