Key facts
- Harvard Business School has launched an 8-week startup bootcamp named Foundry.
- The program utilizes AI-generated avatars of Harvard professors.
- These AI avatars assist entrepreneurs with tasks like market mapping and customer discovery.
- Foundry offers structured feedback and pitch development.
- Top participants may be invited to Foundry Catalyst for a chance to compete for up to $100,000 in funding.
Harvard Business School has launched a new 8-week startup bootcamp called Foundry, which leverages artificial intelligence to assist entrepreneurs. The program utilizes AI-generated avatars of Harvard professors that can provide guidance on startup ideas, conduct market mapping, competitive analysis, and customer discovery.
Participants can engage with these AI avatars through group text chats or practice their pitches with video avatars that simulate interactions with professors. The avatars are designed to ask follow-up questions and offer advice based on Harvard Business School's research and frameworks. The bootcamp aims to save entrepreneurs time and refine their strategies.
The Foundry program includes structured sprints focused on problem clarity, market mapping, validation, and pitch development, with tangible outputs and feedback provided at each stage. The first cohort is scheduled to begin in August 2026. Top founders from the bootcamp will be invited to Foundry Catalyst, a competitive program in 2027, offering an opportunity to compete for up to $100,000 in funding.