Harvard Business School introduces AI avatars in startup bootcamp for personalized feedback

Aug 22, 2026

AI Summary

Harvard Business School's Foundry bootcamp for entrepreneurs now features AI avatars that provide feedback during practice sessions. Developed by HeyGen, these avatars enhance the learning experience, with participants reporting positive interactions despite some initial skepticism about AI.

Harvard Business School has launched an eight-week bootcamp called HBS Foundry, priced at $699, aimed at entrepreneurs.
The program incorporates AI avatars created by the startup HeyGen to offer personalized feedback during practice pitches and board meetings.
Live sessions with instructors are held weekly, but the AI avatars play a significant role in providing feedback.
Project director Katharina Rings initially planned for the AI to function like a chatbot, but student feedback led to a more interactive experience.
Participants in the bootcamp have expressed positive feelings towards the AI avatars, despite some general skepticism about AI among college students.
Jeff Bussgang, a co-founder of Flybridge Capital, noted that while his AI avatar may seem

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Harvard Business School introduces AI avatars in startup bootcamp for personalized feedback

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