The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is working together with Microsoft to launch one of the largest Microsoft 365 Copilot integrations in Canadian post-secondary education. This initiative places BCIT at the forefront of digital transformation, reinforcing its commitment to applied learning and technological leadership.
As part of the pilot, 500 BCIT employees will gain access to Microsoft 365 Copilot, an AI assistant built for work, operating within the Microsoft 365 environment and using enterprise-grade security, compliance, and identity controls. This powerful tool is designed to enhance productivity, streamline routine tasks, and empower educators and staff to focus on high-impact work that supports students.
“This collaboration reflects BCIT’s bold vision for the future of education,” says Omair Quraishi, Associate Vice President, Digital Transformation and Chief Information Officer at BCIT. “By integrating AI into our daily workflows, we’re not only improving efficiency—we’re reimagining how we teach, learn, and collaborate. This pilot is a catalyst for creativity and meaningful change across our Institute.”
Advancing AI literacy and applied learning
This initiative directly supports the goals outlined in the BCIT Education Plan 2026–2031, which recognizes the transformative role of AI in both education and industry. Through this pilot, BCIT and Microsoft are creating opportunities for faculty and staff to explore AI as a tool for personalized learning, inclusive experiences, and ethical innovation.
“Integrating AI into daily work is essential for building the skills needed to thrive in an evolving digital world,” says Dr. Elka Walsh, Chief Academic Officer, Microsoft. “BCIT’s leadership in embracing AI and paving the way for innovative, responsible use is helping to ensure that staff, faculty, and students are well positioned to take full advantage of the AI opportunity.”
To guide this work, BCIT is forming an AI Working Group tasked with examining current AI use across the Institute and identifying opportunities to amplify its impact in alignment with strategic goals. Under the Microsoft 365 Copilot licensing model, BCIT’s data remains protected within a closed system, ensuring a safe and responsible exploration of AI technologies.
BCIT is proud to lead the sector in exploring how AI can help us work more thoughtfully, teach with greater impact, and continue delivering exceptional value to our students and community. This pilot marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Institute, defined by innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to shaping the future of applied education in Canada.
About BCIT
For over 60 years, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has been delivering flexible, relevant, future-proof education that prepares learners to lead innovation in their workplaces and communities. As one of BC’s largest post-secondary institutes with five campuses, over 300 programs, and over 40,000 students enrolled each year, BCIT connects education, industry, and government in building an agile workforce. The BCIT curriculum is developed through close consultation with industry and delivered by expert faculty who have hands-on experience in their fields.