Thunder, Salesforce & USC Launch Agentic AI Lab for Leaders

Thunder, in partnership with Salesforce and the USC Marshall School of Business, has officially launched the USC Agentic AI Research Lab a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to empower students, researchers, and enterprises to succeed in an agentic AI–driven era.

The newly established lab will act as a collaborative hub where students, business leaders, and innovators unite to explore how agentic AI will redefine business strategies, organizational models, workforce skills, and investment approaches. Additionally, the lab will open doors for students to engage in real-world projects with Fortune 500 companies, gain access to internships and job opportunities, and connect with global executives shaping the future of AI-driven business transformation.

The USC Agentic AI Research Lab will focus its research across four key areas:

• Healthcare, led by Kimon Drakopoulos, Associate Professor of Data Sciences and Operations

• Corporate Applications, led by Nathanael Fast, Associate Professor of Management and Organization and Director of the Neely Center for Ethical Leadership and Decision Making

• High-Tech Industries, led by Charlie Hannigan, Academic Director of the AI for Business (BUAI) program at USC Marshall

• Public Sector Initiatives, co-led by Carter Wigell, CEO of Thunder, and Jerad Speigel, Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer at Washington Harbour

Carter Wigell, Founder and CEO of Thunder, emphasized the transformative nature of this partnership:

“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.”

For USC Marshall, this collaboration strengthens its long-standing mission of preparing students to lead during times of rapid technological change.

“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. “Nothing is more important than helping our students both understand and contribute to the AI revolution by working with cutting-edge companies like Thunder.”

Adding further perspective, Charlie Hannigan noted,

“Time and again, when our students engage with leading firms, executives are impressed by their intelligence, thoughtfulness, and ambition. 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 initiative marks a significant milestone, bringing together three global leaders in their respective fields:

• USC Marshall School of Business, a top-ranked institution driving academic excellence and innovation.

• Salesforce, the world’s #1 AI CRM and creator of Agentforce.

• Thunder, a Salesforce Ventures–backed consulting pioneer leading the way in agentic AI business transformation.

Together, these organizations are setting the stage for the next generation of AI-enabled leadership and enterprise innovation.

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