Scaler School of Technology (SST) has announced a new four-year undergraduate program in AI and Business. This is a unique course where students learn both computer science and business skills in one program. The course is fully residential, which means students will live on campus and learn hands-on skills every day.
The most exciting feature of the program is the final year project, where every student must create an AI startup. Students will take an idea, develop it into a working product, find users, and try to earn money from it. This experience teaches responsibility, problem solving, and real-world business skills.
Why This Program Was Created
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way companies are built. Work that used to require large teams and months of development can now be done by one person in a few weeks. Because of this, there is a growing need for people who can:
- Understand how AI systems work
- Identify real problems that need solutions
- Build products that people actually use
- Turn ideas into a business that can grow
Traditionally, engineering and business education have been separate. Engineering programs teach coding, programming, and technical problem solving, while business programs focus on strategy, finance, and operations. SST believes this separation no longer matches how modern companies are created.
According to Anshuman Singh, former tech lead at Facebook Messenger and Dean of SST:
“AI allows individuals to create products faster than ever. But knowing the tools is not enough. Students must also understand which problems are worth solving and how to turn technology into a sustainable business. Education should go beyond theory and case studies. Students must build, test, face users, and take responsibility for outcomes.”
What Students Will Learn
The AI and Business program is designed to gradually increase responsibility and exposure to real-world situations over four years.
Year 1 – Foundations
In the first year, students focus on building strong fundamentals:
- Programming and coding
- Data structures and algorithms
- Mathematics needed for AI
- Communication and critical thinking
- Basic economics
Students will also work on small hands-on projects to apply what they have learned in class. This helps them understand the real use of technology in everyday problems.
Year 2 – Building Real Systems
In the second year, students move to production-level systems and practical AI:
- Building AI models and data pipelines
- Creating software that works in real life
- Learning go-to-market fundamentals, which means how to launch and sell products
This year helps students understand how technology is applied in actual business situations.
Year 3 – Product Strategy and Startup Exposure
The third year focuses on product thinking and startup experience. Students learn:
- Product strategy and planning
- Metrics to measure success
- Growth levers to increase users and revenue
Students often work alongside early-stage startups through the Scaler Innovation Lab, gaining practical experience in solving business challenges and creating real products. One example is working with Xspecies, a startup building humanoid robots for Indian homes.
Year 4 – Founder Mode
The fourth year is called Founder Mode, where every student builds an AI startup. Students take their idea from concept to:
- Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- Early users or customers
- Revenue generation, if possible
This year teaches students how to manage a startup, make decisions under real-world pressures, and face challenges like a true entrepreneur. Startup-building is not optional; it is a core academic requirement.
Mentorship and Support
Students in this program get access to mentors and experts from top companies such as OpenAI, Google, NVIDIA, Razorpay, and McKinsey. SST also provides:
- Pre-seed funding to help student startups get started
- Access to investor networks and demo days
- Guidance from experienced founders and operators
Students who choose traditional career paths are supported too. SST has a network of over 1,200 hiring partners, including companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. Deferred placement support allows students to attempt entrepreneurship without losing career opportunities.
Early Results from SST
Previous students at SST have already shown remarkable achievements:
- Built AI startups earning Rs. 30 lakhs+ in revenue
- Secured Rs. 25 lakhs innovation grants from Samsung
- Competed in international competitions like Google Summer of Code and Summer of Bitcoin
- Interned at leading companies, including Apple
These successes show that hands-on, build-first learning can prepare students for both the startup world and established technology companies.
Admissions and Seats
The admissions process is holistic, including:
- An entrance assessment
- Interviews that evaluate curiosity, problem-solving skills, and ownership mindset
The intake for this year is capped at 200 students, ensuring each student receives attention, mentorship, and support.
Preparing for the AI Era
Today’s founders and product leaders must understand how AI works, identify real problems, and design scalable solutions. SST’s AI and Business program teaches students these skills from the undergraduate level. By combining technical depth with commercial judgement, graduates will be ready to:
- Start their own AI companies
- Work in product and technology roles
- Solve real-world challenges with AI
Applications for the AI and Business undergraduate program are now open on SST’s website. Students interested in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship have a unique chance to learn and build at the same time.
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