Gagan Biyani Launched Horowitz Andreessen Academy
The San Francisco-based school will recruit students for a tech-focused, non-degree program beginning in 2027.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Scholarships
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Entrepreneur Gagan Biyani has officially launched the Horowitz Andreessen Academy in San Francisco. The academy, which secured $42 million in total funding, aims to offer an alternative path for aspiring tech founders.
Why it matters
The academy intends to provide an educational route focused specifically on entrepreneurship rather than a traditional college degree. It targets high schoolers identified as pre-idea founders to nurture their technical and business development.
The academy secured $35 million from Andreessen Horowitz and plans to enroll 50 students for its inaugural tuition-free year. Participants will receive $50,000 in compute credits and a $5,000 travel stipend.
The players
Gagan Biyani
He is the CEO and founder of the newly established Horowitz Andreessen Academy.
Andreessen Horowitz
This prominent venture capital firm provided $35 million in funding for the academy.
Sam Altman
He is a high-profile technology leader slated to teach guest classes at the academy.
Jensen Huang
The NVIDIA chief executive is among the industry figures confirmed to teach students at the school.
The details
The program features campus time in San Francisco, international travel, and co-op opportunities at partner companies, with guest lectures from tech leaders including Sam Altman and Jensen Huang. While the first year is tuition-free, the academy plans to transition to a two-year model in 2028 with tuition ranging from $60,000 to $90,000.
Timeline
The first program cohort begins in September 2027.
The academy plans to launch a two-year program in 2028.
Culture Shift
This venture highlights the growing rejection of legacy higher education standards in favor of specialized, high-intensity training. The academy joins a cohort of unconventional schools aimed at accelerating the career trajectory of young, technology-focused founders.
Selected students will experience a significant change in their daily routine through campus life and global travel components. Prospective applicants should note that the school remains unaccredited and does not offer traditional college degrees.
The takeaway
The academy represents a bold experiment in tech-centric education that prioritizes industry exposure over standard academic credentials. Students interested in this path should carefully weigh the potential for professional acceleration against the lack of formal university accreditation.
Further reading
Learn more about local educational opportunities in San Francisco Scholarships.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
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