Harvard Business School’s AI Avatars Are Now Teaching Entrepreneurs
Harvard Business School is using AI avatars to teach entrepreneurs. And it’s only $699.
Let me break down what they’re doing.
The Program
Harvard Business School launched an eight-week bootcamp called HBS Foundry. It’s designed for entrepreneurs. The cost? $699.
The program offers live sessions with instructors every week. But here’s the twist. The AI avatars are the ones providing feedback during practice pitches and board meetings.
The Technology
The avatars were created by a startup called HeyGen. They’re not just chatbots. They’re actual AI avatars that look and sound like the instructors.
One of the avatars is based on Jeff Bussgang, co-founder of Flybridge Capital. The New York Times reporter Sarah Kessler tried it out by pitching an AI-generated copy of Bussgang.
Both the real Bussgang and his simulacra were unimpressed by her plan to build “Uber for bananas.” But Kessler said the virtual version offered a noticeably frozen smile during her pitch.
Why Avatars Instead of Chatbots?
Project director Katharina Rings said she initially envisioned the AI component as something closer to a chatbot. But after HBS released a trial version, students said they wanted a more guided experience.
So they went with avatars instead. It’s a more interactive, more immersive experience.
The Reception
Some college students haven’t been shy about expressing negative feelings towards AI. But Foundry participants told the New York Times they actually like the avatars.
As for Bussgang, he acknowledged his digital copy is a little “creepy.” But he said, “My students love it.”
The Bottom Line
Harvard Business School is using AI avatars to provide feedback to entrepreneurs in an eight-week bootcamp. The avatars were created by HeyGen. Students like them. Even the instructors acknowledge they’re a bit creepy, but they’re effective.
