Harvard launches AI-powered course using digital professor avatars

Harvard Business School has begun offering an entrepreneurship course built around AI-generated video avatars of seven of its professors, marking a notable shift in how elite business education is being delivered and monetized. The eight-week program carries a price tag of US$699, making it substantially more accessible than traditional Harvard offerings.

The course leverages artificial intelligence to create digital representations of the faculty members, allowing the university to scale instruction while maintaining the intellectual property and teaching methodologies of its renowned professors. This approach enables Harvard to reach a broader audience beyond its Cambridge campus and traditional student body.

The initiative reflects growing trends across higher education institutions to harness AI technology for content delivery and course expansion. Universities worldwide are exploring similar applications to increase operational efficiency and reach students in different geographic markets.

Harvard's move also signals how institutions are adapting their business models in response to changing educational landscapes and the growing demand for flexible, affordable learning options. The pricing strategy positions the course as an intermediate offering between free online content and expensive residential programs, potentially tapping into a substantial market of aspiring entrepreneurs seeking education from recognized institutions.