HHL Leipzig inspires with innovative AI avatar for students!

HHL Leipzig inspires with innovative AI avatar for students!

On March 9, 2025, the HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management announces the launch of “Timotar,” an innovative AI-powered avatar. Timotar is not an ordinary assistance system, but an interactive voice and chatbot that is specifically designed to provide answers to business psychology and leadership-related questions. The avatar is available around the clock, free of charge and without prior registration, and supports users in almost 30 languages. The topics covered include leadership, crisis management, purpose orientation, common good and the Leipzig leadership model.

The Timotar development process is based on the extensive research work of Prof. Dr. Timo Meynhardt, who holds the Dr. Arend Oetker holds the Chair of Business Psychology and Leadership at HHL. Meynhardt sees the introduction of Timotar as part of an educational revolution that underlines the need to redefine the role of teachers. Prof. Dr. Tobias Dauth, the Rector of HHL, supports this initiative and emphasizes the importance of modern teaching methods that rely on technology and innovation.

Student feedback and acceptance

The first feedback on Timotar came from 26 HHL students who used the avatar in a course. The surveys show that 80% of students attest to Timotar's in-depth specialist knowledge, while 65% have confidence in his abilities. Additionally, 69% believe Timotar's behavior is based on sound principles. This positive response is reinforced by the impressive 92% of students who find the possibilities of AI technology remarkable. In addition, 88% of those surveyed would like to actively integrate AI systems into their everyday lives.

However, there is also a critical point of view: around a third of students are of the opinion that human skills are still superior. This view raises questions about the limitations and role of AI in educational and leadership processes.

The role of artificial intelligence in the business environment

The introduction of Timotar comes against the backdrop of a rapidly changing business environment in which artificial intelligence is seen as a driver of change for business models. Studies such as those presented in the literature “Artificial intelligence as a driver of change for business models” show that companies are increasingly relying on AI to improve their customer experiences and develop innovative business models. According to reports, such as from De Gruyter have been published, the implementation of such technologies is not just a trend, but a necessary adaptation to the economy characterized by global digitalization.

AI is rapidly changing the way companies interact with their customers and the services they offer. When developing AI-based models, emphasis is placed not only on the technical know-how, but also on the social skills of the employees. This corresponds to the views expressed by Prof. Meynhardt about the balance between technology and humanity in leadership positions.

The new technological possibilities provided by Timotar and similar systems could also open doors for future innovations in academic teaching and beyond. The development of AI applications in business is therefore becoming the focus of strategic considerations in many organizations.