Harvard’s $699 Startup Bootcamp Introduces AI Avatars for Instructors

Harvard Business School is utilizing AI avatars to enhance its outreach by providing tailored feedback.

Created by a startup called HeyGen, these avatars are part of the eight-week, $699 HBS Foundry bootcamp aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs. The program includes weekly live sessions with instructors, but the AI avatars play a crucial role in delivering feedback during practice pitches and board meetings.

New York Times journalist Sarah Kessler experienced the concept firsthand when she pitched to an AI-driven version of Flybridge Capital co-founder Jeff Bussgang. While neither the real Bussgang nor his AI version seemed particularly impressed with her “Uber for bananas” idea, Kessler observed that the digital avatar maintained a steady, unchanging smile throughout her pitch.

Project director Katharina Rings initially envisioned the AI component to resemble a chatbot. However, after conducting a trial at HBS, students indicated a preference for a more engaging experience.

Although some college students have shown skepticism toward AI, participants in the Foundry program expressed excitement about the avatars. Bussgang noted that while his digital counterpart might appear somewhat “creepy,” he commented, “My students love it.”