Andreessen Horowitz launches AI-focused academy in San Francisco

Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has announced the launch of the Horowitz Andreessen Academy, a private, unaccredited alternative to traditional higher education based in San Francisco. The academy aims to train high school graduates and young adults aged 16 to 22 in AI-native skills, focusing on building products, system design, and entrepreneurship.

Led by CEO Gagan Biyani, the academy has raised approximately $42 million in funding. The inaugural class, set to begin in the fall of 2027, will consist of roughly 50 students and will feature a tuition-free one-year program. The academy plans to expand into a two-year program by 2028, pending regulatory approval, with tuition expected to align with elite private universities.

The curriculum emphasizes project-based learning over traditional exams or homework, with students spending up to 80% of their time on practical applications. Founding partners include major technology companies such as Anthropic, Google, Meta, Nvidia, OpenAI, Palantir, and Stripe. These partners will provide access to software, computing power, and internship opportunities known as ‘co-ops.’

Notable industry leaders, including Sam Altman, Jensen Huang, and Satya Nadella, are listed as potential instructors or guest lecturers. The academy seeks to prepare students for roles at leading tech firms or to launch their own startups by mastering the tools of the AI revolution.