When most people think of Chevron, they picture oil rigs, pipelines, and massive offshore platforms. But behind the scenes, the energy giant is investing heavily in something less visible but just as transformative: artificial intelligence (AI).
At a recent discussion, Chevron’s Chairman and CEO Mike Wirth outlined how the company has been preparing for the AI era—and why it’s more than just a technology play. It’s a long-term strategy to bridge the gap between energy and tech.
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Preparing for the AI Era
Chevron saw the potential of AI early. In 2018, the company partnered with MIT to create a bespoke training program. Each year, Chevron sends employees—many of them seasoned professionals—back to school for a full year of AI immersion, while keeping them on full salary.
So far, about 150 employees have completed the program. Their mission? To bring back the skills, frameworks, and vision needed to translate AI breakthroughs into practical tools for the energy industry.
Solving the Talent Challenge
Like many companies, Chevron has found it difficult to compete directly for Silicon Valley’s top data science talent. Instead of trying to outbid tech giants, it’s taken a different approach:
- Retraining existing employees who already understand Chevron’s complex domain challenges.
- Blending expertise by combining energy-sector knowledge with newly acquired AI skills.
This approach ensures that Chevron isn’t just chasing trends—it’s building real solutions rooted in its operational needs.
Laying the Data Foundations
AI is only as strong as the data behind it. That’s why Chevron has spent years organizing its data, building digital platforms, and preparing its systems to handle the integration of AI tools.
By investing in data readiness early, the company is positioning itself to quickly adopt and scale new technologies as they emerge.
Impact on the Business
The results of this strategy are already visible:
- Employees returning from MIT are building in-house AI tools tailored to Chevron’s operations.
- Teams are spotting use cases faster, from predictive maintenance to optimizing drilling operations.
- Chevron is forming stronger partnerships with tech companies, thanks to its readiness to integrate AI solutions quickly.
In short, Chevron isn’t experimenting—it’s operationalizing.
Why It Matters
The energy industry is entering a new era where AI, automation, and digital platforms will be as critical as geology and engineering. Chevron’s decision to invest early in its people, data, and partnerships positions it not just as an oil and gas leader, but as a forward-thinking digital player.
As Wirth put it, the goal is simple: “Bridge the gap between domain-specific challenges in energy and rapid developments in tech.”
Final Thought
Chevron’s AI journey highlights a broader lesson for the industry: technology adoption isn’t just about tools—it’s about people. By equipping employees with cutting-edge skills and grounding AI in real-world energy problems, Chevron is building a playbook for how traditional industries can thrive in a digital future.
