This course is designed for individuals looking to understand and leverage Generative AI technologies in Entrepreneurship and Startups. It covers the fundamentals of AI-driven business ideation, prototyping with no-code and code-based solutions, and strategies for launching AI-powered startups. This course is available in English, Tamil, and Hindi to make learning accessible and inclusive for a diverse group of learners.
Includes an exclusive in-person campus immersion at IIT Kanpur for hands-on learning and networking.
Pre-Requisites:
- Basic understanding of business concepts and technology.
- Familiarity with general computer operations.
Target Audience:
- Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to launch AI-driven startups.
- Students and professionals aiming to explore AI in business.
- Business owners seeking to innovate with AI-based solutions.
- Beginners with a keen interest in entrepreneurship and Generative AI.
Key Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, participants will:
- Understand the fundamentals of Generative AI and its impact on startups.
- Learn how to ideate, prototype, and validate AI-powered business models.
- Gain hands-on experience with no-code and code-based AI tools for startup development.
- Explore monetization and go-to-market strategies for AI-driven products.
- Develop a business plan and pitch for an AI-based startup.
Delivery Mode & Duration:
- Delivery Mode:
- Online Live
- Hybrid Mode: Live online sessions + in-person campus immersion
- Duration: 25 Hours (20 Hours of Online Live Sessions + 5 Hours of Final Project)
Curriculum
Module 1: Introduction to GenAI & Startup Thinking (5 Hours)
- Introduction to Generative AI & Its Impact
- Overview of GPT-4, DALL·E, Stable Diffusion
- How AI is disrupting industries: Finance, Healthcare, E-commerce, Marketing
- AI vs. Traditional Software: Key differences
- Hands-on Demo: Exploring ChatGPT, Claude, MidJourney, Runway ML
- How GenAI Can Be Leveraged for Startups (Case Studies)
- Real-world GenAI Startups: Jasper AI, Copy.ai, Runway ML
- Business models: SaaS, API-based, AI Agents, Automation tools
- Understanding the AI startup ecosystem: Investors, Accelerators, Competitors
- Brainstorming Startup Ideas with GenAI
- Techniques for AI startup ideation
- Hands-on: Using AI to generate business ideas (ChatGPT, Claude)
- Workshop: Creating a Lean Business Model Canvas for AI startups
- Market Validation – Researching Demand Using AI Tools
- How to test if your AI startup idea has demand
- Using AI tools for market research: Google Trends, AI-powered surveys
- Hands-on: Validating an idea using AI-driven surveys
Module 2: Prototyping with No-Code AI Tools (6 Hours)
- Overview of No-Code AI platforms: Bubble, Webflow, Make, Peltarion
- Chatbot builders: ChatGPT, Landbot, Voiceflow
- Hands-on: Creating an AI-powered chatbot without coding
- AI-generated blogs, ads, marketing materials
- Tools: Jasper, Copy.ai, Canva AI
- Hands-on: Generating AI-powered marketing content for a startup
- Using AI website builders (Framer, Wix AI, Webflow)
- Hands-on: Building a landing page with AI-generated content
- AI for Customer Support & Personalization
- Hands-on: Deploying an AI chatbot on a website
- Hands-on Project – Developing the First AI Prototype
Module 3: Prototyping with Code (6 Hours)
- Basics of Python for AI Entrepreneurs
- Python crash course (if needed)
- Using OpenAI API, Hugging Face, LangChain
- Building an AI Chatbot with Python & LangChain
- Hands-on: Building a simple chatbot with OpenAI API & Python
- Deploying AI Models on the Cloud (Google Colab, Hugging Face Spaces, Streamlit)
- Hands-on: Deploying an AI model on Hugging Face Spaces
- Fine-Tuning AI Models for Business Applications
- Hands-on: Fine-tuning GPT-3.5 for a startup use case
Module 4: AI in Business & Monetization Strategies (6 Hours)
- Ethical AI & Data Privacy in Startups
- AI in Marketing – Automating Ads & Social Media
- Hands-on: Using AI to generate social media ads
- AI for Customer Support & Personalization
- Monetization Models for AI Startups
- Hands-on: Setting up a pricing model for AI services
- Pricing Your AI-Powered Product/Service
- Hands-on: Creating a funding roadmap
Module 5: Final Project & Pitching (2 Hours)
- Pitch Preparation & Demo Refinement
- Hands-on: Creating a presentation using AI-powered tools (Tome, Gamma AI)
- Final Project Presentations & Investor-Style Pitch
Final Project:
Objective:
Participants will design an AI-powered startup prototype, demonstrating their understanding of AI applications in business.
Project Tasks:
- Identify a Startup Idea & Business Challenge.
- Propose AI-Driven Solutions (e.g., AI content generation, chatbots, AI-powered analytics).
- Use at Least Two AI Tools for prototyping (e.g., No-Code platforms, Python-based AI APIs).
- Create a Presentation or Demo showcasing the startup concept.
Project Timeline:
- Research & Planning: Identify startup challenges & research AI solutions.
- Tool Application & Prototyping: Use AI tools for ideation and development.
- Solution Development & Presentation: Document findings and prepare the final pitch.
Deliverables:
- Presentation or pitch deck on AI-driven startup.
- Demonstration of AI tool usage (screenshots or recorded video).
