Thursday, 24 September 2026 | Updated 9:35 AM IST

An Indian-origin entrepreneur named Gagan Biyani has been identified as a key figure in a new educational initiative backed by the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. The program, which is still in development, is designed to operate without issuing traditional degrees. Instead, it plans to charge participants between sixty thousand and ninety thousand dollars for enrollment. The curriculum is expected to feature sessions led by prominent technology leaders including Sam Altman and Satya Nadella.

Details about the initiative remain limited at this stage. Reports indicate that the school aims to provide specialized training in areas relevant to technology and business. Unlike conventional academic institutions, the focus appears to be on direct instruction from industry executives rather than formal accreditation or degree credentials. This approach has drawn attention due to the high tuition range and the involvement of well-known figures in the technology sector.

Gagan Biyani’s role centers on the development and launch of the program. As an entrepreneur with roots in India, his participation highlights connections between the Indian diaspora and major American investment firms. Andreessen Horowitz, often referred to as a16z, has a history of supporting innovative projects in technology and education. The new school represents an extension of that interest into alternative learning models.

The absence of a degree is presented as a deliberate feature. Organizers suggest that the value lies in the knowledge imparted and the networks formed during the program. With fees set at a premium level, the target audience is likely to include professionals seeking advanced skills without pursuing lengthy academic paths. Sessions involving Altman, known for his work in artificial intelligence, and Nadella, chief executive of a major software company, are expected to form a central part of the offering.

Observers note that such initiatives reflect broader trends in education where traditional structures are being reconsidered. High-profile instructors can attract participants willing to pay substantial sums for access. At the same time, the lack of a degree may limit recognition in certain professional or regulatory contexts. The program is positioned as a complement to existing educational options rather than a replacement.

Further announcements are anticipated as the project progresses. Information on exact start dates, application processes, and specific course content has not yet been released publicly. The involvement of Biyani is viewed as an example of diaspora contributions to entrepreneurship in the United States. His background in business ventures provides context for his selection in leading this effort.

The initiative underscores ongoing experimentation within the technology investment community. Firms like Andreessen Horowitz continue to explore opportunities beyond traditional venture funding, including education and talent development. Whether the model proves sustainable will depend on participant outcomes and industry reception over time. For now, the focus remains on assembling the necessary resources and faculty to begin operations.

Public reaction has been mixed, with some expressing interest in the unique format while others question the pricing structure. The combination of high costs and notable instructors creates a distinctive proposition in the education landscape. As more details emerge, additional clarity on curriculum design and expected results is likely to follow.


Credit:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/meet-gagan-biyani-indian-origin-entrepreneur-behind-andreessen-horowitzs-new-school-that-wont-give-degree-but-would-charge-60k-to-90k-because-sam-altman-satya-nadella-will-take-classes/articleshow/134441158.cms
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