In this Azure Essentials video, Microsoft Developer’s Thomas Maurer and Ben Brauer guide viewers through establishing an AI Center of Excellence, covering best practices for governance, strategy, and scalable, responsible AI adoption.

Implementing a Center of Excellence for Generative AI

Presenters: Thomas Maurer and Ben Brauer (Microsoft)

Overview

This episode of the Azure Essentials Show explores how organizations can create an AI Center of Excellence (CoE) to scale their AI initiatives responsibly and effectively. The discussion focuses on key team structures, governance requirements, and Microsoft-provided frameworks and resources that support organizational AI maturity and adoption.

Key Topics

1. Core Functions and Team Structure

  • Defining the purpose and mission of an AI Center of Excellence
  • Outlining critical roles within the CoE (leadership, technical experts, business stakeholders)
  • Governance, policies, and responsible AI practices

2. Aligning Business and Technical Strategies

  • Integrating AI initiatives with broader organizational goals
  • Ensuring ethical, scalable implementation
  • Continuous improvement and evolving strategies based on business needs

3. Microsoft Resources and Frameworks

4. Practical Guidance

  • Starting and structuring an AI CoE
  • Defining governance models fit for your organization
  • Leveraging Microsoft learning resources and recommended practices

Chapters

  • 0:23 Introduction to AI Center of Excellence
  • 1:44 Defining the AI Center of Excellence
  • 4:56 Core Focus Areas and Team Structure
  • 6:10 Structuring the Center of Excellence
  • 7:19 Implementing Strategy and Continuous Improvement
  • 9:09 Resources and Learning Paths

Connect with the Presenters


For more guidance on implementing AI responsibly and at scale in your organization, explore the recommended Microsoft frameworks and learning resources linked above.