In a bold move that underscores the growing influence of artificial intelligence in education, Campus, the innovative online two-year college, announced its acquisition of Sizzle AI, an artificial intelligence startup founded by former Meta AI chief Jerome Pesenti. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of higher education. It merges deep technological expertise with a modern learning model that already challenges traditional college structures.

Campus aims to transform how students learn, interact, and progress in online education. The integration of Sizzle AI brings advanced machine learning tools and world-class engineering talent directly into Campus’s operations. Together, they plan to create an AI-powered learning environment that offers personalized, adaptive, and highly interactive instruction for every student.


Jerome Pesenti’s Vision and Background

Jerome Pesenti, the founder of Sizzle AI, brings one of the strongest pedigrees in artificial intelligence to Campus. He previously led Meta’s AI division and played a key role in shaping the company’s machine learning research and infrastructure. His experience also includes leading teams at IBM Watson and BenevolentAI, two organizations that made major contributions to applied AI in healthcare and enterprise solutions.

When Pesenti founded Sizzle AI in 2023, he envisioned an app that made learning interactive, conversational, and deeply personalized. He wanted AI to become a tutor that could adapt in real time to each learner’s pace and style. Within a short period, Sizzle AI attracted over 1.7 million users and gained strong investor support. The company raised more than $100 million from major backers such as Founders Fund, General Catalyst, Bloomberg Beta, Sam Altman, Shaquille O’Neal, Joe Lonsdale, Jason Citron, and Dylan Field.

This rapid growth reflected the hunger for intelligent learning tools that could supplement or even replace traditional educational systems. By focusing on how people actually think, ask questions, and make mistakes, Sizzle AI created a model that engaged learners instead of overwhelming them. Pesenti’s success and his ability to attract top talent made Sizzle an ideal match for Campus’s ambitious goals.


Campus’s Mission and Growth

Campus operates with a mission to provide high-quality, affordable higher education that fits the lives of modern students. Unlike conventional colleges that often burden students with debt and inflexible schedules, Campus focuses on accessibility and community. It offers fully online associate degrees in fields such as Business Administration and Information Technology, along with focused concentrations like Applied AI.

Each student learns through live, interactive classes taught by experienced faculty, supported by dedicated success coaches and advisors. The model combines academic rigor with mentorship and real-world relevance. Graduates can either transition directly into the workforce or transfer to top universities such as NYU, Penn State, or UC San Diego.

Campus built a reputation for blending personalized attention with scalable digital tools. However, the company recognized that it needed stronger technology to make its learning experience more adaptive and data-driven. That’s where Sizzle AI fits perfectly.


The Strategic Rationale Behind the Acquisition

Campus’s acquisition of Sizzle AI accelerates its engineering roadmap by an estimated two to three years. The move gives Campus access to Sizzle’s proprietary AI infrastructure, advanced natural language understanding systems, and a team of world-class engineers and scientists from MIT, Harvard, and IBM Watson.

Instead of relying solely on human instructors to manage feedback, track progress, or identify learning gaps, Campus now plans to integrate Sizzle’s AI to support these tasks in real time. This shift allows instructors to focus on mentoring, discussion, and critical thinking while AI handles repetitive or analytical work.

By combining the human strengths of empathy and context with machine precision, Campus can offer a uniquely balanced learning experience. Students will receive instant feedback on their assignments, suggestions for improvement, and adaptive learning paths that adjust dynamically as they progress.

This acquisition also strengthens Campus’s long-term strategy. The company wants to position itself as a pioneer in AI-augmented higher education—one that doesn’t just use technology as a tool but embeds it deeply into the fabric of learning.


Integration and Future Development

Jerome Pesenti now serves as Chief Technology Officer at Campus. He leads the development of AI systems that will power every layer of the educational process—from content creation and grading assistance to student advising and career planning.

His team will focus on building a robust AI infrastructure that aligns with Campus’s human-centered teaching model. Instead of replacing instructors, the technology will amplify their capabilities. It will help teachers identify when students struggle, generate targeted exercises, and monitor engagement levels.

Campus also plans to launch new AI-enhanced programs, particularly in areas such as data science, automation, and digital business. These programs will teach students how to work with AI tools while learning through them, creating a virtuous cycle of skill development.

In addition, Campus will use Sizzle’s conversational learning technology to personalize communication. Students will interact with AI-based academic assistants that can answer questions, summarize lessons, or help with problem-solving outside class hours. This approach bridges the gap between live instruction and self-study, ensuring continuous support.


Implications for the Education Industry

Campus’s move sends a strong signal to the broader education industry. While many universities experiment with generative AI tools, few have fully integrated them into their operating models. Most institutions rely on external platforms, licensing deals, or third-party apps. Campus, on the other hand, now owns its technology stack and employs one of the world’s leading AI architects to guide it.

This vertical integration gives Campus a powerful advantage. It can innovate faster, collect richer learning data, and refine its platform without waiting for external updates or approvals. The company can also ensure that its AI systems follow strict ethical and educational standards.

For students, this merger means greater personalization and accessibility. AI can analyze how each learner engages with material and recommend better ways to study. It can detect confusion early and suggest additional explanations. Over time, the system learns from millions of interactions, improving both efficiency and quality.

For instructors, it means less administrative work and more time for meaningful teaching. AI can automate grading, generate quizzes, and identify patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. Teachers can then focus on mentorship, creativity, and higher-order thinking.


Challenges Ahead

Despite its promise, the integration of AI into education carries challenges. Campus must balance innovation with responsibility. It needs to ensure data privacy, prevent algorithmic bias, and maintain transparency about how AI systems make decisions.

The company also faces the practical challenge of merging two different organizational cultures—one academic and one tech-driven. Educational institutions often move cautiously, while startups thrive on speed and experimentation. Achieving harmony between these approaches will require strong leadership and clear communication.

Moreover, the claim of accelerating the roadmap by two or three years depends on flawless execution. Scaling AI tools from prototype to full campus integration can expose technical and operational gaps. Success will hinge on how effectively Campus aligns its new technology with real classroom needs.


The Bigger Picture

Campus’s acquisition of Sizzle AI reflects a larger transformation sweeping through higher education. As artificial intelligence matures, the distinction between education technology and academia blurs. Students no longer view AI as a novelty but as an essential part of their learning experience.

By acquiring Sizzle AI, Campus not only gains powerful technology but also makes a statement about the future of education. It shows that colleges can embrace AI without compromising quality or human connection. Instead, they can use it to scale empathy, understanding, and opportunity.

Jerome Pesenti’s appointment as CTO solidifies Campus’s technical foundation. His vision for intelligent learning aligns perfectly with Campus’s mission to make higher education more affordable, engaging, and effective. Together, they plan to redefine what it means to learn in the digital age.

As this partnership unfolds, the education sector will watch closely. If Campus succeeds, it could set a new standard for AI-integrated colleges—institutions that teach with AI, through AI, and about AI, all at once.

Also Read – Top 5 Startup Acquisitions of September 2025

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