Building AI Application Challenge
Launch, Learn, and Lead — in Just 8 Days.
Decoding Data Science, presents a hands-on challenge to help emerging talent build and showcase real-world AI solutions.
Why Participate?
Build and launch your own AI app in 8 days — no prior experience needed
Gain visibility by showcasing your project to a global AI audience on LinkedIn
Receive mentorship, daily guidance, and community feedback
Win Scholarships, Credits, and a License from top AI Providers
What You’ll Get:
Daily Checkpoints: Step-by-step tasks to guide you in building your AI application.
Expert Guidance: Access to tutorials and resources crafted for beginners and intermediates.
Real-World Skills: Learn how to deploy your AI application online and showcase your work on LinkedIn.
Community Support: Engage with a like-minded community, sharing ideas and receiving feedback.
Choose Your Path:
On the first day, select between three exciting paths to develop your AI application:
LLM/API Integration Path: Perfect for those who want to leverage existing AI models and APIs to build innovative applications. Explore how to integrate powerful AI tools like OpenAI’s API or Amazon Bedrock into your solutions.
No Code/Low Code Path: New to coding? No problem! Create something impactful using no-code/low-code platforms like Make.com, Voiceflow, and others. Build AI-driven solutions without writing extensive code.
Preferred Path: This is the preferred track for participants who want to accelerate from prototype to a more complete AI application using Airia. If you choose this path, you’ll build your project using Airia’s platform and capabilities—then take it further with better workflows, structure, and deployment-readiness.
Airia Workshop (during the challenge): Airia will run a dedicated hands-on workshop as part of the challenge to help you get started quickly and build effectively on the platform.
Sponsor Prizes (Airia Track): Airia will award special prizes to the Top 3 projects built using Airia, in the form of Airia credits and licences.
Three paths offer valuable learning experiences, allowing you to tailor the challenge to your interests, whether you're focused on the intricacies of model building, API integrations, or the creative application of cutting-edge technologies.
Who Should Join?
Aspiring AI Developers: Those looking to build a portfolio-worthy AI application.
Python Enthusiasts: Programmers eager to apply their skills to real-world AI projects.
Career Switchers: Professionals wanting to transition into AI and data science roles.
Challenge Timeline:
Day 1: Kickoff and Project Ideation
Day 2-7: Daily Checkpoints (with every other day submissions)
Day 8: Final Submission and LinkedIn Sharing
Fee
The challenge is Free to join for a limited Time.
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Prize
Program
Value
Link / Note
1st Prize
🎓 AI Residency Cohort (Feb 2026 start)
$3000
https://decodingdatascience.com/airesidency
2nd Prize
AI for Builders
$1500
https://academy.decodingdatascience.com/aiforbuilders
3rd Prize
CAIO
—
https://academy.decodingdatascience.com/caiocourse
Top 15 Finalists
AI Residency Scholarships (Cohort 10)
Up to 80%
Scholarship (up to 80%)
,
Total Credit & Licence worth $3,300
For the Top 3 People in the Airia Track
Each Person
License Value $300 USD
Credits: $250 USD
For the other track, 3 people will also get
License Value $300 USD
Credits: $250 USD
JetBrains All Products Pack Licenses (5 winners total | $997 each)
Top 3 — Best Projects (3 licenses)
1st Place — Best Project
2nd Place — Runner-Up
3rd Place — Third Place
Special Categories (2 licenses)
4) Women in AI Award — Best project by a woman participant
5) Rising Star (Student) Award — Best project by a DDS student participant (high potential + strong execution)
License Awards are supported by JetBrains
How to Participate:
Sign Up: Click the "Join the Challenge Now!" button to register.
Follow the Checkpoints: Receive daily instructions and guidance.
Submit Your Work: Submit progress every other day, with a final submission and LinkedIn post.
Win: Stand a chance to win a $6,900 scholarship and $10,000 Credits & Licenses, Internships, and more
Register Here for Free http://decodingdatascience.com/buildingaiapplication2026