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Harvard’s $699 startup bootcamp offers AI avatars of its instructors

Summarized by AI from reporting by TechCrunch AI, published under our editorial policy.

Harvard Business School’s HBS Foundry program now includes AI avatars of instructors to give feedback on practice pitches and meetings. This blend of human expertise and AI technology aims to make startup training more accessible and interactive.

A digital avatar of a Harvard Business School instructor providing feedback to a startup founder.

Key takeaways

  • Harvard Business School’s HBS Foundry program now includes AI avatars of instructors for $699.
  • These avatars provide real-time feedback on practice pitches and board meetings.
  • The technology aims to make high-quality mentorship more accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Harvard Business School (HBS) has introduced AI avatars of its instructors in its HBS Foundry startup bootcamp, priced at $699. These avatars provide real-time feedback during practice pitches and board meetings, simulating the experience of working with real instructors.

What the AI Avatars Actually Do

The AI avatars are designed to mimic the teaching styles and expertise of HBS instructors. Participants in the HBS Foundry program can interact with these avatars to receive feedback on their startup pitches, business strategies, and even mock board meetings. The avatars use natural language processing to understand and respond to participants, offering constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement.

How It Compares to Traditional Bootcamps

Traditional startup bootcamps often rely on human instructors for feedback, which can be limited by scheduling and availability. The HBS Foundry program’s use of AI avatars allows for 24/7 access to instructor-like feedback, making the learning process more flexible and personalized. This technology also enables participants to practice and receive immediate feedback, which is crucial for refining their pitches and business strategies.

Why This Matters for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For aspiring entrepreneurs, the ability to receive instant feedback from AI avatars that mimic the expertise of top instructors is a game-changer. It democratizes access to high-quality mentorship, which is often expensive and hard to come by. This technology can help startups refine their pitches and strategies more efficiently, increasing their chances of success.

How to Try It Today

If you're interested in experiencing this innovative approach to startup training, you can enroll in the HBS Foundry program. Visit the HBS Foundry website and sign up for the $699 bootcamp to start interacting with the AI avatars and receiving real-time feedback on your startup ideas.

Frequently asked

Is the HBS Foundry program only for Harvard students?
No, the program is open to anyone interested in startup training, not just Harvard students.
Can the AI avatars replace human instructors entirely?
While the AI avatars provide valuable feedback, they are designed to supplement, not replace, human instructors.