Build and showcase your own AI application in 8 days.
Join the 12th Edition of the Build AI Application Challenge by Decoding Data Science and turn your AI idea into a working prototype — with daily checkpoints, community support, and project visibility.
Daily checkpoints · Real prototype · Scholarships, JetBrains licenses, Google swag/support & internship opportunities*
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This is not a passive webinar.
Over 8 structured days, you’ll choose a real problem, design an AI solution, build a working prototype, submit daily progress, and showcase your project to a serious builder community. Structure, checkpoints, and accountability — built in.
Who should join?
Built for anyone serious about creating real proof of work in AI.
Students
Build a portfolio project that stands out in applications and interviews.
Data Science & AI Learners
Turn theory into practical, hands-on experience with a real AI build.
Developers
Ship your first (or next) AI application with structure and feedback.
Career Switchers
Create concrete proof of work that backs up your transition into AI.
Founders & Professionals
Prototype and validate an AI product idea in days, not months.
Opportunity Seekers
Compete for visibility, scholarships, and internship consideration.
What you’ll build
A simple but presentable AI application prototype — pick the format that fits your idea:
Your 8-day build track
One focused goal per day. Submit each checkpoint to stay on track and eligible.
Day 0 — Prepare and Unlock
● Already Started- Register properly and join the exclusive community group (inside the challenge page)
- Read the challenge instructions
- Choose your initial area of interest
- Post your participation commitment on social media and tag Decoding Data Science where required
- Submit your Day 0 proof / checkpoint
Day 1 — Choose Your AI App Idea
June 28 · 9:00 AM GST- Choose a real problem
- Define your target user
- Write a simple app idea
- Decide what the AI application should help users do
- Submit your Day 1 idea checkpoint
Day 2 — Define Problem and User
- Define the user persona
- Write the problem statement and identify the pain point
- Explain why AI is useful for this problem
- Clarify what’s in scope and out of scope
Day 3 — Plan Features and Workflow
- List core features and map the user journey
- Decide input and output
- Plan the minimum viable version
- Create a simple workflow diagram or explanation
Day 4 — Tools, Prompts, and API Plan
- Select tools and model/API options
- Draft initial prompts
- Decide if you need RAG, agents, tools, APIs, or automation
- Plan data/document inputs and define basic guardrails
Day 5 — Build the MVP
- Create a simple app interface
- Connect prompts / model / API if applicable
- Add the basic input → output flow
- Build the first working demo — simple and functional
Day 6 — Test and Improve
- Test with sample users or sample inputs
- Identify bugs or weak responses, improve prompts and flow
- Add error handling or fallback responses
- Document known limitations
Day 7 — Prepare Submission
- Prepare project title and description
- Record or prepare a short demo + screenshots
- Prepare GitHub / README or project documentation
- Write what problem the app solves and how it works
Day 8 — Showcase and Submit
- Submit the final project
- Share it on LinkedIn — what you built, tools used, and your learning journey
- Celebrate the final submission 🎉
Day 0 Support Kit Unlock
Participants who complete Day 0 properly may unlock complimentary access to the Challenge Support Kit — practical templates that remove guesswork from every stage of your build.
Rewards, Scholarships & Opportunities
Scholarship prizes worth $6,900 — plus JetBrains licenses, Google swag/support worth $5,000+, and internship & interview opportunities from hiring partners including Atelic and more.
AI Residency Cohort Scholarship
Full scholarship to the flagship AI Residency cohort.
AI for Builders Program Scholarship
Scholarship to the hands-on AI for Builders program.
Chief AI Officer (CAIO) Program Scholarship
Scholarship to the executive-track CAIO program.
Top Finalists
AI Residency scholarships up to 80%, project visibility, community showcase, and internship/interview consideration based on project quality and proof of work.
Partner Rewards
JetBrains licenses for selected winners, Google swag/support for selected top participants, and internship/interview opportunities from hiring partners including Atelic and more.
Visibility & Recognition
Top projects get showcased to the DDS community — public proof of work that recruiters and partners can actually see.
*Rewards, licenses, swag, scholarships, internships, interviews, and opportunities may be subject to eligibility, partner approval, project quality, submission completion, and final review.
Earn a verifiable certificate of completion
Finish the challenge and receive your Build AI Application Challenge certificate — a tangible credential you can add to LinkedIn and your CV, backed by Decoding Data Science’s CPD membership.
Decoding Data Science is a CPD Member organization — continuing professional development you can reference with confidence.
Mohammad Arshad
Founder of Decoding Data Science, with 21 years of industry experience in data, AI, and technology leadership. Mohammad has built one of the region’s most active AI communities — hosting 150+ AI and data events and guiding thousands of learners and professionals from theory to real, working AI applications through the DDS Academy and AI Guild ecosystem.
Why this challenge matters
Proof of work, not just tutorials
Build something real instead of only watching videos — a portfolio-ready AI project.
Daily structure & accountability
Clear checkpoints every day keep you moving from idea to working demo.
Real AI app thinking
Practice the full cycle: problem, user, workflow, prompts, tools, testing, showcase.
Public visibility
Build your presence through LinkedIn and project sharing as you go.
A serious builder community
Join an ecosystem of 180K+ learners, builders, and professionals.
Compete for real rewards
Scholarships, JetBrains licenses, Google swag/support, and selected opportunities.*
Four steps to your showcase
Register
Claim your free spot while the access window is open.
Complete Day 0
Prepare, join the exclusive community, and unlock the Support Kit.
Build daily
Follow the roadmap and submit each day’s checkpoint.
Submit & showcase
Present your AI app and share your proof of work.
Frequently asked questions
The challenge is free to join for a limited time. Some optional programs, advanced access, or premium resources may have separate terms if mentioned on the registration page.
Day 0 has already started. Day 1 idea submission begins on June 28, 2026 at 9:00 AM GST.
Coding helps, but beginners can still participate by building simple prototypes using no-code tools, AI tools, templates, and guided workflows.
You will build a simple AI application prototype that solves a specific problem for a specific user.
Day 0 helps you prepare, join the official community, understand instructions, and unlock support materials if you complete the required actions.
Scholarships, licenses, swag, and opportunities are subject to eligibility, project quality, final review, and partner terms.
Selected participants may be considered for internship, interview, or collaboration opportunities based on project quality, consistency, proof of work, and partner requirements.
LinkedIn sharing is encouraged because it helps participants build public proof of work and visibility. Some rewards or Support Kit eligibility may require social proof / checkpoint submission if mentioned in the official instructions.
The challenge is organized by Decoding Data Science, founded by Mohammad Arshad, as part of the DDS Academy and AI Guild ecosystem.
Join the exclusive community group (available inside the challenge page after you join), complete Day 0, read the instructions, and start preparing your AI app idea.
Ready to build your AI application in 8 days?
Day 0 has already started. Join the Build AI Application Challenge and prepare for Day 1 idea submission on June 28, 2026 at 9:00 AM GST.
Register for the Challenge →Limited-time free access available. Complete Day 0 to unlock support materials and stay eligible for updates and selected opportunities.