StopDownOpen the app

Launch · Education & Skilling

Gagan Biyani launches Silicon Valley artificial intelligence college

By ·

Horowitz Andreessen Academy logo
Date
Company
Horowitz Andreessen Academy
What it does
An experimental artificial intelligence college.
Kind
Launch
Amount
$42 million
Based in
San Francisco
Founded
2026
Sector
Education & Skilling

What they do

Horowitz Andreessen Academy is an unaccredited institution in San Francisco offering project-based education without traditional grades or degrees

What happened

The venture-backed academy secured $42 million in funding to launch its inaugural tuition-free, one-year programme for students starting in September 2027

Why it matters

The project aims to prepare ambitious young builders for an economy shaped by artificial intelligence through industry mentorship and practical experience

The details

  • Indian-origin entrepreneur Gagan Biyani is leading an experimental artificial intelligence institution named Horowitz Andreessen Academy in San Francisco.
  • The academy secured $42 million in venture funding with backing from prominent venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz.
  • The institution will launch its first tuition-free, one-year programme for an inaugural class of approximately 50 students in September 2027.
  • Students will focus on building projects, gaining industry mentorship, and working with technology rather than pursuing conventional degrees or transferable college credits.
  • The inaugural cohort will receive more than $50,000 in computing credits alongside a $5,000 travel and research budget.
  • The academy plans to use its first year to test the educational model before potentially seeking regulatory approval for a longer two-year programme starting in 2028.
  • Future iterations of the programme could introduce annual tuition fees ranging between $60,000 and $90,000.
  • Founding corporate partners supporting the initiative include major technology companies such as Google, Meta, Nvidia, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Stripe.

The bigger picture

  • The academy represents a novel approach to education designed specifically for an economy being reshaped by artificial intelligence.
  • The initiative builds on Gagan Biyani's extensive background in the education technology sector through his previous ventures.
  • The project offers an alternative pathway for young people seeking practical skills and industry networks outside the traditional university system.

What happens next

  • Launch the inaugural tuition-free one-year programme in September 2027.
  • Seek regulatory approval for a two-year programme starting in 2028 if the first year succeeds.

The deal

Type
launch

Investors

  • Andreessen Horowitz (lead) — Venture capital firm backing the academy.

Founders

  • Gagan Biyani, CEO and Co-founder

Read it as a card in the app

Same day

All startup news on 25 September 2026 →