Startup Science: AI-Empowered Entrepreneurship

Startup Science: AI-Empowered Entrepreneurship --- This course as an applied laboratory, delivering a rigorous Action-Based Learning experience. We utilize the high-stakes, high-uncertainty environment of New Venture Creation as the ultimate training ground for mastering AI applications. While the course deliverables focus on launching a new business, the core competencies taught- Rapid Prototyping, Agentic Workflow Design, and AI Unit Economics -are universal. Mastery of these 'zero-to-one' skills is essential for any leader tasked with birthing new products, services, or business units, whether in a garage setting or within a Fortune 500 enterprise. The is not a coding course; it is a management course. Students will adopt the 'Centaur Model' of entrepreneurship, where their primary role shifts from individual contributor to 'AI Orchestrator.' Evaluation will be based on the efficiency of the systems designed and the rigor of their governance, not solely on the output produced. This course also emphasized understanding the Liability of Newness in AI-driven ventures. We will cover advanced topics such as foundational prompt engineering and Agentic Workflows, positioning this course within the broader Ross AI curriculum framework. The goal is to prepare graduate students to launch a successful AI-Empowered startup by navigating the unique challenges of the AI landscape. Students will engage in practical exercises focusing on ethical AI development, data governance, and scalable deployment strategies. The final project involves developing a comprehensive business plan and functional prototype for an AI application.