Harvard Business School is now using AI-generated avatars of its instructors to give feedback to entrepreneurs enrolled in its eight-week, $699 HBS Foundry bootcamp. The avatars, created by the startup HeyGen, handle critiques during practice pitches and board meetings, while live instructors still lead weekly sessions. The program is part of the school’s effort to expand its reach beyond traditional classroom settings.
New York Times reporter Sarah Kessler tested the technology by pitching a business idea to a digital copy of Flybridge Capital co-founder Jeff Bussgang. Both the real Bussgang and his avatar rejected her proposal for an “Uber for bananas” service, but Kessler noted the virtual version displayed a frozen smile during the exchange. The anecdote illustrates how the avatars are designed to mimic real investor reactions in a simulated environment.
Project director Katharina Rings said the AI component was originally planned as a simple chatbot, but after a trial version of the program, students asked for a more structured experience. This feedback led to the current avatar-based system, which offers guided practice sessions. The change reflects a shift in how the bootcamp delivers personalized instruction at scale.
While some college students have publicly criticized AI tools, participants in the Foundry program told Kessler they appreciate the avatars. Bussgang acknowledged that his digital counterpart feels a little “creepy,” but he said his students enjoy using it. The positive reception suggests the technology is finding a niche in executive education, even as broader AI skepticism persists among younger learners.
The bootcamp’s use of avatars comes as business schools increasingly experiment with AI to supplement human teaching. Unlike fully automated chatbots, these avatars are paired with live weekly sessions, creating a hybrid model. HeyGen’s role in the program marks a notable application of synthetic media in formal education.
For US entrepreneurs, the $699 price point and remote-friendly format lower barriers to accessing Harvard-branded training. The program targets founders seeking practical feedback without enrolling in a full degree track. Whether the avatar feedback matches the quality of in-person critique remains unclear, but initial student reactions, as reported, are favorable.
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