Harvard Launches $699 Startup Bootcamp Featuring AI Avatars of Instructors
Harvard Business School is launching an innovative $699 startup bootcamp that incorporates AI avatars of its instructors, designed to offer personalized feedback to budding entrepreneurs. The program, known as HBS Foundry, spans eight weeks and includes live sessions with actual instructors, while the AI avatars play a crucial role in providing feedback during rehearsal pitches and mock board meetings.
This initiative has been developed in collaboration with the startup HeyGen, which specializes in creating lifelike AI avatars. A notable trial of this technology was conducted by New York Times reporter Sarah Kessler. She pitched a business idea using an AI-generated version of Jeff Bussgang, a co-founder of Flybridge Capital. According to Kessler, both the actual Bussgang and his virtual counterpart were not impressed with her concept of "Uber for bananas." However, she did note the AI’s distinct response, characterized by a fixed smile throughout her pitch.
Project director Katharina Rings explained that the initial vision for the AI component was more akin to a chatbot. However, student feedback led to adjustments that made the experience more interactive and guided. Interestingly, despite a general unease around AI among some students, those in the Foundry program expressed positive feelings about the avatars. Bussgang himself acknowledged that while his digital twin might come off as "creepy," students have taken a liking to it.
For more information, visit the HBS Foundry program page.
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