OpenAI announced its channel partner program, the OpenAI Partner Network, backed by a $150 million investment in the partner ecosystem. The company says the key to extracting value from AI is no longer model capability but redesigning workflows, integrating existing systems, and driving daily adoption. The new program will team up with Accenture, McKinsey, PwC, Bain, and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to help enterprise clients deploy AI.
By the end of 2026, the channel partner program aims to train 300,000 officially certified AI consultants. Consultants will be classified into three tiers — Select, Advanced, and Elite — and can earn specialized certifications in areas like Codex programming, cybersecurity, and agents, making it easier for enterprise customers to choose the right expertise.
A Forward Deployed Experts program has also launched in pilot. Technical staff from partner firms will work directly with OpenAI’s own Forward Deployed Engineering team, adopting official system-building methods and business transformation experience to deliver in-depth technical support on behalf of OpenAI.