BGSU alumnus partners with alma mater to launch AI "living lab" for students

Aivana CEO Chris Ybarra leverages multi-AI platform to provide real-world experience to BGSU students

By Branden Ferguson

Bowling Green State University and Columbus-based AI startup Aivana have launched a strategic partnership to provide students with essential real-world experience in artificial intelligence development. Founded by BGSU alumnus Chris Ybarra '08, '24, Aivana serves as a "living lab" where students bridge the gap between classroom theory and the rapidly evolving tech industry.

This partnership represents the University's ongoing commitment to provide students with real-world experience in the classroom. As a national leader in building innovative partnerships, BGSU is helping lead the national conversation on workforce readiness, building on its strengths in career preparation to ensure students graduate with the skills needed to succeed in today’s workplace.

Hands-on learning across academic disciplines

Through this collaboration – a prime example of work-integrated learning – BGSU students across multiple fields contribute to Aivana's growth while applying coursework to a professional startup environment. A few examples of the hands-on learning across disciplines include:

• Computer science: Students are refining multi-AI orchestration and evaluating how AI systems collaborate compared to high-performing human teams.
• Public relations and communication: Students are designing digital advertising campaigns for Aivana while utilizing the platform's multi-AI tools.
• User experience (UX): Students are providing critical feedback on design and navigation to improve the platform's interface.
• Innovation and research: Students are integrating Aivana into projects for The Hatch, marketing initiatives and the Global Social Media Influencer Research Lab.

Bowling Green's partnership with Aivana is one facet of its efforts to build a sustainable framework of company-to-classroom partnerships through its role in the first-ever National Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Accelerator. BGSU is one of only eight universities nationwide and the only one in the Midwest selected for the initiative.

Building a multi-AI perspective

The Aivana platform integrates leading models – including ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude – to give students exposure to various digital "perspectives" during problem-solving. Ybarra, who previously managed digital solutions and AI initiatives at JPMorgan Chase, believes this exposure is vital for student readiness.

To help students succeed, Ybarra not only provided access to his unique multi-platform AI model, he has also made multiple visits to campus to talk with students and help them with their projects. Despite managing a growing AI startup, he has remained committed to being available for students. In addition to continued meetings for projects, Ybarra is also making a special visit to campus to speak to student organizations.

"By partnering with BGSU students, we are giving them the experience of working with a startup AI company, allowing them to utilize a multi-AI system and integrate this tool in their particular areas of study," Ybarra said.

BGSU is no stranger to artificial intelligence, as it was the first in the nation to offer an AI + X bachelor's degree. The innovative degree combines AI with a complementary field of focus, allowing students to apply their AI knowledge to a specific content area. The degree program allows students to pair AI with six fields of study.

BGSU was also the first to hold the Great Lakes AI Week, where Ybarra and Aivana were featured in the event's startup showcase. The event brought together more than 1,000 professionals to discuss AI's role in education and the workforce.

Recognizing innovation and student success

Beyond the partnership, Aivana is already drawing regional attention, with Columbus Business First recognizing the AI startup on its list of "2026 Startups to Watch." For Ybarra, however, the primary metric of success remains student readiness. He noted that he remains impressed by how resourceful students are when navigating new technologies.

"Today's students are the future leaders of our communities, companies, state and country," said Ybarra. "If we are not allowing students to develop in their domains and in their skill sets, we are doing them a disservice. I want to equip the next generation with the tools they need to succeed.

"Our partnership with BGSU is just the beginning. I have a deep affinity for my alma mater and for helping improve students' lives. I hope that this partnership continues to grow to include additional academic disciplines and research labs."