Harvard Business School has introduced an innovative element to its HBS Foundry startup bootcamp by incorporating AI avatars of its instructors. This eight-week program, priced at $699, features live weekly sessions, but uniquely uses AI-generated avatars created by the startup HeyGen to deliver personalized feedback during practice pitches and simulated board meetings. The avatars provide an interactive, scalable approach to mentorship in entrepreneurship education.

One participant's experience was highlighted by New York Times reporter Sarah Kessler, who tested the AI version of Jeff Bussgang, co-founder of Flybridge Capital. Kessler humorously notes that both the human and AI versions of Bussgang were unimpressed with her “Uber for bananas” pitch, but the AI avatar had a distinct, somewhat awkward smile, underscoring the virtual nature of the interaction. This example illustrates both the promise and the current quirks of AI in educational settings.

Initially, the program's designers envisioned a simpler chatbot-style AI to support learners. However, feedback from early users prompted a shift toward creating more lifelike avatars that offer guided, real-time feedback. Despite some college students expressing pushback against AI in education, participants in the HBS Foundry program have embraced these avatars as helpful tools, appreciating the value they add to practice and skill refinement.

Jeff Bussgang himself acknowledged that his digital likeness can feel slightly "creepy," but affirmed its effectiveness by noting students’ enthusiasm. Harvard’s embrace of AI avatar technology in a startup bootcamp demonstrates a forward-thinking application of artificial intelligence in higher education, aiming to enhance hands-on learning experiences while expanding access to entrepreneurial training.