AI Platforms for Entrepreneurs

The HBS Foundry platform, developed by Harvard Business School, serves as an interactive AI-powered thinking partner for entrepreneurs. Unlike step-based platforms, Foundry focuses on dynamic exploration, helping users think critically about their ideas, refine their business models, and prepare for real-world execution. One of its distinctive features is the ability to simulate pitching experiences, allowing users to present their ideas to AI-generated avatars modeled after experienced practitioners and receive targeted feedback. Access to Foundry is managed through the Bentley E-Hub, which coordinates participation for selected students and faculty.

The MIT Orbit platform, developed by the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship, offers a structured approach to building new ventures. Based on MIT’s Disciplined Entrepreneurship framework, it guides users through clear steps to explore, validate, and develop their startup ideas. It is especially useful for entrepreneurs who want to speed up research and analysis. While it is not designed as an open-ended thinking partner, it provides a systematic process to gather insights, test assumptions, and move forward with confidence. Access is available to Bentley students and faculty with a Bentley email address.

Start-up Idea Explorer is a Bentley E-Hub–developed tool designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs explore, structure, and strengthen their ideas. As a low-cost entry point, it provides a conversational interface that guides users through the process of articulating their concept, identifying opportunities, and refining their value proposition. Built on a knowledge base of scholarly and practitioner research, the platform supports users in developing well-structured ideas while also helping them identify connections to broader frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). It is especially useful for individuals in the early stages who want to explore ideas and gain clarity before using more advanced tools.

The Altitut platform, developed at UC Davis with support from the National Science Foundation, supports entrepreneurship education and venture development within structured learning environments. It offers tools to help users develop startup ideas, conduct customer discovery, build minimum viable products (MVPs), and prepare investor-ready pitches. The platform also provides AI-driven feedback on pitch decks, presentations, and scripts, helping improve both content and delivery. At Bentley, Altitut is primarily deployed through faculty-led courses and programs. Students typically gain access by enrolling in a class or initiative facilitated by the E-Hub, where they are guided through the platform as part of a structured entrepreneurial learning experience.