From Startup Idea to MVP: Build Real Apps with AI + No-Code (Workshop)
In the AI era, building software is easier than ever. But there is still a gap between quick demos and applications that actually work in the real world. For non-technical builders, relying only on AI-generated code often leads to fragile systems and loss of control.
In this session, we'll explore how builders can create AI-powered apps using no-code tools like Momen, where databases, business logic, permissions, and agentic workflows can be designed visually. Instead of stitching together multiple tools or writing backend code, builders can structure and control their applications in one place — making it possible to turn ideas into reliable, launch-ready products much faster.
We’ll walk through:
The typical gap between a prototype and a product
How to add backend logic, workflows, and data without coding
A live demo showing how AI-powered apps can become launch-ready in hours, not weeks
Who it’s for:
Non-technical startup founders, indie makers, and anyone exploring AI tools to build a real online presence — beyond just a demo or prototype.
Special thanks to SMU Greenhouse and SMU BIA for their support.
Speaker:
Yaokai Jiang is the Founder & CEO of Momen.app, with 14 years of experience as a backend engineer. He holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Cambridge and an M.Sc. in Large-Scale Information Systems Technology from Carnegie Mellon University. He brings both a deep technical background and a practical startup perspective.