ZOAHARIAN.COM - Harvard Business School (HBS) is starting to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) technology in its entrepreneurship education program. One innovation that has attracted attention is the use of AI avatars designed to provide individual feedback to participants.

The avatar was created by AI startup HeyGen and is part of HBS Foundry, an eight-week entrepreneurial bootcamp that costs about US$699.

This program still offers live sessions with instructors every week. However, in practice sessions and board meeting simulations, participants also receive input from AI avatars designed to resemble certain entrepreneurs or mentors.

AI Avatars Come to Pitching Simulation

This experience was also tried by The New York Times reporter, Sarah Kessler. He used an AI-based digital copy of Jeff Bussgang, co-founder of Flybridge Capital, to get input on his business idea.

In the simulation, Kessler offers an idea he calls "Uber for bananas." Neither the real Bussgang nor his AI avatar seemed too impressed with the business plan.

However, there was one thing that made the experience feel different: Bussgang's virtual avatar gave a very stiff smile during the presentation session.

The experiment shows how AI avatar technology is starting to be used not only for automated conversations, but also as part of more interactive learning experiences.

Initially envisioned as a chatbot

HBS Foundry project director, Katharina Rings, said that the initial concept of the AI ​​component was actually simpler. He imagines that this technology will work like a chatbot that can help participants in the learning process.

However, after the trial version was introduced, students actually wanted a more guided experience.

This demand then prompted HBS to develop an avatar-based approach. Instead of simply interacting with text on a screen, participants can simulate as if they were dealing directly with a mentor or investor.

Students Actually Like AI Avatars

Interestingly, although some students did not hide their negative views towards the use of AI, Foundry participants who spoke to Kessler actually admitted to enjoying the presence of the avatars.

For them, AI avatars provide a different training experience and allow participants to get feedback without always having to wait for a session with a human instructor.

Bussgang himself admitted that the digital version of himself felt a little "creepy". However, he said that students liked the technology.

The use of AI avatars at HBS is an illustration of how higher education institutions are starting to experiment with AI to complement the learning process. This technology does not necessarily replace the role of a human mentor or instructor, but can be an additional means to increase practice opportunities and obtain feedback.

In the midst of the increasingly rapid development of AI, the classroom is slowly changing. It is not impossible, simulations with "digital mentors" such as those carried out by HBS will become an increasingly common part of business and entrepreneurship education in the future.

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