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

Harvard Business School has embedded artificial intelligence into its HBS Foundry startup accelerator, a program priced at $699. Participants can now engage with digital replicas of faculty members rather than relying solely on human interaction for guidance.

These digital tools simulate faculty interactions during critical exercises. They deliver critiques on pitch rehearsals and board meeting simulations, allowing founders to refine their skills without waiting for human availability.

The move highlights a growing trend of educational institutions leveraging generative AI to scale mentorship. By automating routine feedback loops, schools can potentially increase access to expert guidance for more students while reducing the administrative burden on faculty.

While the technology aims to enhance the learning experience, it also raises questions about the nuances of human mentorship. The program represents a practical application of avatar technology within a professional development context.

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