Builder Nights: Show your AI Projects, Learn from the Best Minds in AI
Everyone is a builder these days...
...but very few builders ever put their work in front of real people.
This event changes that.
Join us for an evening of live AI product showcases, audience feedback, and focused conversations with some of the most curious builders, founders, and AI enthusiasts in the DC area.
Whether you're actively building or simply want to learn from those who are, you'll leave with new ideas, new connections, and a better understanding of what's actually being built with AI right now.
We created this event for two kinds of people...
#1: The Builder
If you are a builder that is ready to show your project to the masses, we are accepting applications from now until July 3rd.
Your project does NOT have to be completely polished and buttoned-up. It does not have to be a full-fledged startup. You don't have to be working on it full-time.
This event is meant to give you a platform to show your project at whatever stage.
You will gain months of feedback in 10 minutes — unfiltered, real-world reactions from peers before you spend another month coding in a vacuum.
This is also your chance to get unstuck on any business or technical problems — bring your problems to the stage and let a room full of builders help you ideate on it.
If you're unsure whether you should apply, just do it! We will read through all the applications and accept a handful of builders.
#2: The Learner
If you're not a builder and don't have any project to showcase, we still want you to join us!
Maybe you're aspiring founder that wants to learn from others or find your next co-founder.
Maybe you are an investor that wants to discover the top ideas in the DC area.
Or maybe you're a student that simply wants to learn about how others are applying AI.
Whoever you are, we encourage you to come.
As a Learner, you will get the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers in one of 4 different breakout groups:
1. Go-to-Market & "Launch Fast" strategies
Are you itching to learn more about how to scale and grow a product? Join this breakout session to learn how to get your first 100 users, find distribution channels, and adopt a "ship it now, fix it later" mentality.
2. AI dev tools & Productivity unlocks
Claude Code, Cursor, Hermes Agent, Openclaw, Obsidian, Agentic Loops. Learn what workflows people are using to maximize productivity inside and outside of daily work.
3. Edge AI & Hardware Tinkering
Garry Tan, the CEO of Y Combinator, recently said that now is the time for young founders to go into hardtech and build real things. Let's talk about the intersection of AI into the physical world and how founders can build hardtech (even if you have no experience doing so!).
4. The Reality of AI: Hype vs. Utility
Everyone knows that AI isn't perfect yet. Let's talk about where it falls short and what's frustrating about it. Why? Because some of the best ideas come from the deepest frustrations. There is so much more to build in AI, and now is our chance to talk about those gaps.
The event format
5:30 PM – 5:45 PM: Arrival
Doors open. Meet people, settle in, relax.
5:45 PM – 6:00 PM: Welcome & House Rules
Introduce the event format and thank AWS for hosting
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: The Core Showcases
The selected Builders will get a chance to showcase their projects and receive feedback from the audience
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Breakout groups
We will have breakout groups by interest area (as detailed above)
This is your chance to connect with like-minded AI enthusiasts in a targeted setting
7:30 PM – 7:45 PM: Wrap-up, group photo, networking