Thunder, Salesforce, and the USC Marshall School of Business announced the launch of the USC Agentic AI Research Lab on October 8, 2025, establishing a pioneering initiative to prepare students, researchers, and businesses for the agentic AI era. This collaborative hub focuses on exploring AI's impact on business strategy, organizational design, workforce skills, and investment priorities, while providing hands-on opportunities with Fortune 500 companies.
The USC Agentic AI Research Lab serves as a collaborative space where students, industry leaders, and innovators tackle agentic AI's role in reshaping industries. It creates pathways for students to engage in practical projects with leading companies, secure internships, and interact with global executives, fostering skills essential for future business challenges.
The lab's research spans four key areas:
"Agentic AI represents the most significant business shift of our lifetimes. By combining the academic strength of USC Marshall, the global innovation engine of Salesforce, and Thunder's expertise in driving AI business change, we're creating a launchpad for the next generation of business leaders to thrive in this era of transformation," said Carter Wigell, founder and CEO of Thunder.
For USC Marshall, the lab extends its tradition of leadership in disruptive times by connecting students with real-time corporate challenges. "By engaging directly with companies in real time and working on real problems, our students can apply and extend their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts. It's a win for our corporate partners, but a bigger win for our students," said Geoff Garrett, dean of USC Marshall School of Business.
The initiative highlights the BUAI program's value as a talent pipeline and thought partner. "Time and again, when our students engage with leading firms, executives are impressed by their intelligence, thoughtfulness, and ambition," said Hannigan. "The fact that organizations like Thunder are eager to work with us demonstrates the value they see in the BUAI program — not only as a source of top talent but as a partner in thinking critically about AI's role in business and society."
This lab unites three powerhouse organizations:
The USC Agentic AI Research Lab positions participants at the forefront of AI's business evolution, blending academic rigor with industry expertise to drive innovation and leadership development.
Thunder is a Salesforce Ventures–backed consulting leader helping enterprises accelerate business transformation in the era of agentic AI. With multi-cloud and multi-platform expertise, Thunder designs and implements AI-powered solutions that deliver speed, flexibility, and measurable outcomes. The firm has deep specialization in the Contact Center and serves leading companies across technology, manufacturing, media, business services, travel & hospitality, and the federal sector. By combining innovation with execution, Thunder enables organizations to thrive in an increasingly automated and intelligent world.
Consistently ranked among the nation's premier business schools, USC Marshall is internationally recognized for its emphasis on academic research, global perspective on entrepreneurship and innovation, and its powerful alumni network. Marshall prepares students to lead with purpose and impact in an ever-changing business environment.
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