Harvard Business School (HBS) has added AI-generated avatars created by the startup HeyGen to its HBS Foundry entrepreneurship bootcamp. The Foundry program runs for eight weeks and costs $699.
How the program uses avatars
The bootcamp continues to offer weekly live sessions with instructors, but the AI avatars are used to provide individualized feedback during practice pitches and simulated board meetings. The avatars are intended to give participants more guided, repeatable opportunities to practice and receive critique.
Reported experiences and responses
New York Times reporter Sarah Kessler tried the system herself, pitching to an AI-generated copy of Flybridge Capital co-founder Jeff Bussgang. According to Kessler, both the real Bussgang and his digital simulacrum were unimpressed by her "Uber for bananas" idea; she also noted the virtual version displayed a somewhat frozen smile during her pitch.
Project director Katharina Rings said she initially imagined the AI feature as closer to a chatbot. After HBS released a trial version, however, students told the school they preferred a more guided experience, which prompted the move toward avatar-based interactions.
While some college students have voiced negative opinions about AI, Foundry participants told Kessler they like the avatars. Jeff Bussgang acknowledged that his digital copy is a little "creepy," but added, "My students love it."
Why this matters
The HBS example highlights how educational programs are experimenting with AI to expand personalized learning and feedback at scale. Using avatars in a paid, intensive program aims to increase the quantity and consistency of practice opportunities without replacing live instruction.
