Assessing Generative AI: Strengths, Weaknesses, and the Strategic Use of DeepSeek in Entrepreneurship Pedagogy

Background: DeepSeek, an open-source large language model (LLM) from China, has begun to be applied in entrepreneurship education. Although it has great potential, its use also presents weaknesses and threats that need to be analysed through SWOT. Objective: This study aims to examine the strengths and weaknesses of DeepSeek as a strategic tool for entrepreneurship education in higher education using SWOT analysis. Methodology: This study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods for data analysis. Quantitative research using a 5-point Likert questionnaire on 117 students at Universitas Negeri Medan, Indonesia. Results: DeepSeek offers strengths such as information support, personalised learning, efficiency, and feedback, but has weaknesses such as inaccuracy, dependence on technology, limited interaction, and technical constraints. Conclusion: This SWOT analysis reveals significant entrepreneurial opportunities—such as promoting digital entrepreneurship education, creativity, and collaboration—alongside critical threats, including ethical issues, data security, educational gaps, and quality concerns. Unique Contribution: These findings serve as a reference for educators in designing digital strategies to optimise the use of DeepSeek in entrepreneurship education. Key Recommendations: The use of DeepSeek needs to be optimised, with potential weaknesses and threats anticipated in the learning process.