Accenture plc (ACN) shares rallied after announcing a partnership with OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, to integrate agentic AI systems directly into enterprise operations. If you're wondering what "agentic AI" means, think of it as AI that can actually do things autonomously rather than just answering questions.

The deal means tens of thousands of Accenture professionals will get access to ChatGPT Enterprise for their consulting, operations, and delivery work. But this isn't just about internal productivity gains. Accenture is packaging this into offerings for clients, complete with playbooks, use cases, and security guidance to help businesses embed AI across departments like customer service, supply chain, finance, and human resources.

The initiative will focus on specific sectors where AI integration could move the needle, including financial services, healthcare, public sector, and retail.

"By combining OpenAI breakthrough technologies with Accenture's deep industry and functional expertise and global delivery capabilities, we will accelerate enterprise reinvention and business outcomes for our clients," Accenture CEO Julie Sweet said.

Building an AI Portfolio

This OpenAI partnership isn't happening in isolation. Accenture has been making strategic moves to beef up its AI capabilities. Back in October, the firm invested in Lyzr, a full-stack agent infrastructure platform that helps enterprises build, govern, and deploy a secure, autonomous AI workforce.

The company also acquired Decho, a U.K.-based technology and AI consultancy specializing in Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) platforms.

ACN shares rose 3.40% to $258.29 following the announcement.