Proving Ground + Snowflake: AI Startup + Builder Sprint
Build it. Test it. Prove it.
This isn’t about hacking together a flashy, brittle AI demo. Proving Ground sprints are where founders turn their AI idea into scalable, investment-ready companies. Past teams are now backed by 500 Global, are raising rounds, and shipping fast!
🏃 How will the Snowflake Sprint work?
Over 2.5 days, over 150 founders will build with Snowflake to prove if their AI startup has what it takes to launch, last, and (ideally) get funding!
Winners and select founders will receive an exclusive invitation to receive 1:1 feedback from Snowflake Ventures and VC partners. Eligible winners will also gain priority consideration for Snowflake’s Startup Accelerator. All participants will get 15% off their first Snowflake contract to accelerate their data and AI journey!
🏆 Two Tracks, One Goal: Validation
Discovery Track — Build a new idea from scratch (pre-launch, no users yet)
For the startup curious — including enterprise folks just exploring.Startup Track — Already launched / have users
Pre-seed teams: ship a new feature, show traction, and pressure-test your next move.
📅 Schedule of events
Exact times are subject to change. Afternoon snacks and heavy hors d'oeuvres will be provided on Friday. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided on Saturday and Sunday.
Friday, Oct 17: LEARN
2:30pm: Doors open
3:00pm: Kick-off + Sessions begin
Surviving Scale: How to Build Agentic AI for Production
Building with Snowflake AI
5:45pm: VC Perspectives: Where Startup Funding Meets Customer Demand
6:30pm: Startup Showcase
7:00pm: Idea Pitches + Team formation
8:00pm: Doors close
Saturday, Oct 18: BUILD
8:00am - 8:00pm: Full day of building & mentorship
Sunday, Oct 19: PITCH
8:00am: Doors open to keep building!
4:30pm: Demos begin
6:30pm: Dinner / Judges Deliberate
7:30pm: Awards & Closing
8:00pm: Doors close
👥 Who Should Apply
Developers & builders from enterprise or startup backgrounds
Startup founders & pre-seed teams
Product leaders, designers, operators
Anyone ready to move fast and build for scale with AI
🚀 Why Join
Validate with the community + expert feedback
Get in front of investors & enterprise leaders
Join a community of repeat builders with compounding traction