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

Harvard Business School is embracing AI avatars to improve 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 budding entrepreneurs. The program includes weekly live sessions with instructors, but it’s the AI avatars that offer critiques during practice pitches and board meetings.

New York Times journalist Sarah Kessler experienced the concept firsthand by pitching to an AI-generated version of Flybridge Capital co-founder Jeff Bussgang. Although neither the real Bussgang nor his AI counterpart were particularly impressed with her “Uber for bananas” idea, Kessler pointed out that the digital version sported an unwavering frozen smile throughout her pitch.

Project director Katharina Rings initially envisioned the AI component as akin to a chatbot. However, after a trial run at HBS, students conveyed their preference for a more engaging experience.

While some college students have voiced their doubts about AI, participants in the Foundry program expressed appreciation for the avatars. Bussgang noted that although his digital twin might be perceived as somewhat “creepy,” he admitted, “My students love it.”