Observed Signal · Aug 22, 2026 · Partnership · Source: techcrunch · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Generative AI / AI avatars in education Market: Harvard bootcamp offers AI instructor avatars
Harvard Business School’s HBS Foundry eight-week bootcamp (priced at $699) has integrated AI-generated avatars of its instructors to provide individualized feedback during practice pitches and board meetings. The avatars were created by startup HeyGen and supplement weekly live instructor sessions. New York Times reporter Sarah Kessler tested the system, pitching to an AI-generated version of Flybridge Capital co-founder Jeff Bussgang; participants reported liking the avatars despite some describing them as "creepy." Project director Katharina Rings said the AI component was originally imagined as a chatbot but was expanded after student feedback requested a more guided experience.
Minor industry news showing adoption of generative AI avatars in professional education; limited direct impact on AdTech but indicative of broader generative AI adoption.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Harvard Business School’s HBS Foundry offers an eight-week bootcamp for entrepreneurs priced at $699.
- AI avatars included in the program were created by startup HeyGen and provide feedback during practice pitches and board meetings.
- The program still offers weekly live sessions with real instructors alongside the AI avatars.
- New York Times reporter Sarah Kessler tried the avatars by pitching to an AI-generated version of Flybridge Capital co-founder Jeff Bussgang.
- Project director Katharina Rings said the AI feature was initially envisioned as a chatbot but was expanded after student feedback.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mappedHeyGen
AI software for avatar-based video creation and localisation.
“These avatars were created by a startup called HeyGen and are included in the eight-week, $699 HBS Foundry bootcamp for entrepreneurs....”
The New York Times
Subscription-led news publisher with premium advertising, games, cooking and sports.
“New York Times reporter Sarah Kessler actually tried this out herself by pitching an AI-generated copy of Flybridge Capital co-founder Jeff ...”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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