Based on the great success of the initial pilot of the Harvard Business Analytics Program (HBAP) pitch competition concept presented and implemented in past immersions, the program will launch a new version of the pitch competition to provide a unique and supportive experience for all students in HBAP that are interested in the startup space and creating new ventures. This year-long program is designed to support and guide student-entrepreneurs with workshops, mentoring, and other resources, as they develop their ideas and prepare them for entry into the HBAP Pitch Competition in May 2022. All students, currently enrolled or alumni, are eligible to participate. Rana el Kaliouby, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Affectiva, and Harvard Business School Executive Fellow, will lead this effort. Dr. el Kaliouby brings her expertise in starting an AI-based business, bringing AI products to market, business models, and, most importantly, developing and deploying AI with a commitment to ethics, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Vision
  Is the idea compelling and exciting? Is it impactful? Does the company have potential for over $100M?
• Business Viability
  Is this business idea realistic? Is the technology viable? Is the business plan clear?
• Data and Analytics
  Is this an AI-first company? Is the company’s use of AI and data critical to its business–either to solve a central problem or as a key differentiator from other solutions?
• Team
  Is this the right team composition (experience, vision, background, etc.)?
• Community Values
  Is the team committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging? How does the team plan to incorporate DEIB into their startup as it grows (hiring, products, community impact, etc.)?