Harvard Business School is expanding its programming with the help of AI avatars designed to give personalized feedback. The avatars, developed by the startup HeyGen, are part of the eight-week HBS Foundry bootcamp for entrepreneurs, which costs $699. While the program includes weekly live sessions with instructors, the AI avatars handle feedback during practice pitches and board meeting simulations.

New York Times reporter Sarah Kessler tested the experience herself, pitching an AI-generated version of Flybridge Capital co-founder Jeff Bussgang. Both the real Bussgang and his digital counterpart were unimpressed by her concept for “Uber for bananas,” though Kessler noted the virtual version displayed a noticeably frozen smile throughout her pitch.

Project director Katharina Rings explained that the AI component was initially envisioned as something closer to a chatbot. But after HBS released a trial version, students expressed a desire for a more guided experience. While some college students have been vocal in their criticism of AI, Foundry participants told Kessler they appreciate the avatars.

As for Bussgang, he admitted his digital copy feels a bit “creepy,” but added, “My students love it.”