Harvard Business School bootcamp uses AI avatars of instructors for feedback
Harvard Business School's $699, eight-week Foundry bootcamp for entrepreneurs uses AI avatars built by startup HeyGen to give participants individual feedback during practice pitches. The avatars supplement, rather than replace, weekly live sessions with real instructors.
Harvard Business School is turning to AI avatars as it looks to expand the reach of its entrepreneurship training. The avatars, created by startup HeyGen, are featured in the school's Foundry bootcamp, an eight-week program for entrepreneurs priced at $699.
While the program includes live weekly sessions with real instructors, it is the AI avatars that provide feedback to participants during practice pitches and simulated board meetings.
A reporter tries the system
New York Times reporter Sarah Kessler tested the avatars herself, pitching an AI-generated copy of Flybridge Capital co-founder Jeff Bussgang. Both the real Bussgang and his digital counterpart were unimpressed by her pitch for a company she described as "Uber for bananas." Kessler noted that the virtual version wore a noticeably frozen smile throughout her presentation.
From chatbot to guided coaching
Project director Katharina Rings said she initially imagined the AI feature as something closer to a simple chatbot. After HBS released a trial version, however, students asked for a more structured, guided experience instead.
Although college students elsewhere have often voiced skepticism toward AI tools, Foundry participants told Kessler they actually like the avatars. Bussgang himself admitted his digital double is somewhat "creepy," but added that his students appreciate it.
