"We’re different,” explains Professor Peter Mathias Fischer, Professor of Marketing and Academic Director of the Creative Destruction Lab (CDL)’s AI stream in Paris, one of the most ambitious initiatives to propel AI startups forward. “CDL provides a platform that connects venture capitalists, academics, companies and mentors. Startups go through four structured sessions, each with specific objectives.”
Fischer’s work at CDL - alongside his teaching and research at HEC Paris - reveals how business education and academic rigor can be harnessed to build the next generation of responsible AI leaders. From pioneering ideas like “Machine Learning 2.0” to new insights into frugal AI and synthetic data, his work showcases how HEC is helping shape the strategic deployment of artificial intelligence.
Empowering deep-tech founders to lead the AI revolution
This structured yet flexible model addresses a common challenge among deep-tech founders: turning groundbreaking ideas into viable businesses. “Many founders come from academic or technical backgrounds,” Fischer notes.
“They’ve created brilliant algorithms, but need help with product-market fit, pricing, or in ways to convince investors to back their ideas with cold hard cash.”
At HEC Paris, Fischer is dedicated to shaping future business leaders equipped to steer industries through the AI era. He teaches Master students as well as MBA students and Executives. “Our ambition is to prepare students to lead technology’s deployment, whether at major corporations or startups,” he says.
One standout example of this teaching impact is Inbolt, a robotics company founded by HEC Paris alumni who the professor met during one of HEC’s entrepreneurship programmes. “They recently secured €15 million in funding,” he shares, highlighting the success of startups emerging from the French business school.
In the classroom, Fischer also experiments with new ideas from his research, such as “Machine Learning 2.0” - a concept that explores how humans can learn from machines to enhance their own intelligence. “It’s about using machines to make us smarter,” he explains.
AI’s next frontier: synthetic data and frugal AI
Looking ahead, Professor Fischer highlights two mega trends that could reshape the future of AI development: synthetic data and frugal AI. Synthetic data, artificially generated information used to train machine learning models, is becoming a game-changer by overcoming challenges like data scarcity and privacy concerns.
On the other hand, frugal AI focuses on creating resource-efficient models that achieve powerful results without the massive energy consumption typically associated with advanced AI systems. “These are critical developments,” Fischer explains, “as they address the twin challenges of accessibility and sustainability.”
From Neurotech to Impact: AI for Good
He also points to startups like Inclusive Brains, a standout participant at CDL, as an example of AI’s future potential. This was founded by neuroscience professors Olivier Oullier of Aix-Marseille University and Anais Llorens of Berkeley University, alongside Paul Barbaste, an alumnus from the Master of Science Polytechnique-HEC entrepreneurs degree.
The company is pioneering AI-powered neurotechnology designed to help disabled individuals regain movement. “They are a prime example of how business can harness AI for good,” Fischer says.
