Executive Summary

On March 17, 2026, workflow automation leader Zapier announced a large-scale educational program named the "1 Million AIs" initiative. The company has publicly pledged to provide free artificial intelligence (AI) education and hands-on training to one million people. The goal of the program is to lower the skills barrier associated with AI, empower non-technical users to leverage AI-powered automation tools, and drive product-led growth. The initiative will feature a mix of live virtual workshops, bootcamps, and self-paced courses, with progress tracked on a public website.

Program Details

The "1 Million AIs" initiative is a strategic effort by Zapier to build a large community of AI-literate users who can then become customers of its automation platform. The program is named in a nod to "Al," the robot character from Zapier's first Super Bowl commercial.

How it Works

• Free and Accessible: The training is offered completely free of charge and is designed for individuals from all backgrounds, with no prior technical expertise required.
• Multiple Learning Formats: Participants can engage through various channels to suit different learning styles:
  • Live virtual workshops
  • Multi-day bootcamps
  • Self-paced courses via Zapier's Learning Academy
  • Hands-on exercises building AI-powered workflows (Zaps) within the product itself.
• Public Accountability: Zapier has launched a webpage with a real-time counter to publicly track its progress toward the one-million-person goal, creating transparency and accountability.

Strategic Rationale

Wade Foster, Zapier's CEO, explained that the initiative is rooted in the company's own history, where many of its most powerful use cases were developed by non-engineers who were simply given access to the right tools and education. By proactively educating a massive audience on the practical applications of AI, Zapier aims to:

• Democratize AI: Make the benefits of AI accessible beyond the realm of developers and data scientists.
• Drive Product Adoption: Create a funnel of educated potential users who understand how to use Zapier's AI features to solve real-world problems.
• Build a Community: Foster a large, engaged community around the brand and its products.

Dan Slagen, SVP of Marketing at Zapier, positioned the hands-on, product-centric approach as a key differentiator from generic "thought leadership," as it directly ties education to practical application and measures success publicly.

Getting Involved

The first virtual workshop for new participants is scheduled for April 7, 2026. Interested individuals can sign up through the official "1 Million AIs" pledge page on Zapier's website.