The AI Awakening: Implications for the Economy and Society

Catalog description

This course examines how advances in AI are transforming the economy and reshaping the frontier of entrepreneurship. In Spring 2026, the course will emphasize venture creation: students will explore how large language models and other AI tools enable small teams to build products and companies with unprecedented speed and scale. Each week features guest speakers who are leaders in AI, business, economics, and industry, alongside discussion of cutting-edge research and its practical implications. Working in interdisciplinary teams, students will develop, prototype, and refine an AI-enabled product or startup concept, culminating in a final presentation of a working prototype and venture strategy. Designed primarily for graduate students in economics, business, computer science, and related fields. Admission is by application only. To learn more and apply, please visit https://digitaleconomy.stanford.edu/about/education/the-ai-awakening-implications-for-the-economy-and-society/; applications close at 5pm PT on March 16, 2026, with priority given to those received by March 9.