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 Agentic 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 Day 1, choose one of two flexible paths to build your AI application:
Code-First Path
Ideal for participants who want to build with code, AI coding assistants, models, and APIs. Use tools and technologies such as Python, Cursor, Claude Code, Codex, OpenAI APIs, Amazon Bedrock, and other development frameworks to create and deploy your application.
You do not need to write every line manually—AI coding tools can help you plan, generate, debug, and improve your application.
No-Code/Low-Code & AI App Builder Path
New to coding? No problem. Build an impactful AI application using platforms such as Lovable, Base44, n8n, Flowise, Make, and other visual AI application builders—with minimal or no coding required.
Both paths provide valuable, practical learning experiences. Choose the approach that matches your current skills, interests, and preferred way of building. Regardless of the path, your goal is the same: build, launch, and showcase a working AI application.
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.
Prize | Program | Value | Link / Note |
|---|---|---|---|
1st Prize | 🎓 AI Residency Cohort (Oct 2026 start) | $3000 | |
2nd Prize | AI for Builders | $1500 | |
3rd Prize | CAIO | — | |
Top 15 Finalists | AI Residency Scholarships (Cohort 11) | Up to 80% | Scholarship (up to 80%) |
📜 CPD UK — Program prizes are backed by CPD-accredited course content.
Prize Sponsored by
JetBrains All Products Pack Licenses (5 winners total | $1027 each)
Top 3 — Best Projects (3 licenses)
- 1st Place — Best Project
- 2nd Place — Runner-Up
- 3rd Place — Third Place
Special Categories (2 licenses worth $770)
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
Supporting Partners
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 $5,000 Licenses & Swags, Internships, and more
Important Note: The challenge is remote, but the winners will be announced at the Community meetup
Judging Criteria:
- Innovation (25%): Originality and creativity of the application.
- Technical Execution (25%): Quality of code and AI model implementation.
- Real-World Applicability (15%): Practicality and impact of the application.
- Presentation (15%): Quality of the demo and LinkedIn post.
- Platform Leaderboard(20%) : Timely Submissions & Engagments
Judges , Mentors and Feedback Panel
Get Started: Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to showcase your skills and win a life-changing scholarship. Join the challenge today and be part of a community that values diversity, inclusion, and innovation.
Questions? For more information, visit our AI Application Challenge Assistant or contact us at connect@decodingdatascience.com.
The challenge Free and Optional Support materials and recordings are available for a small fee
Act fast! There are Limited slots and getting filled fast. Don’t wait—secure your spot and start building your future in AI today!
Essential Prerequisites
This challenge is designed to support every type of learner—from complete beginners to intermediate and advanced builders. Please review the prerequisites below to choose the path that fits you best:
1) Coding Path (Python / Build-from-Code)
To get the most value from the coding track, you should have:
- Basic Python knowledge (variables, loops, functions, working with libraries)
- Some experience building simple applications, such as a small script, notebook project, gradio or a basic web/API app
- Comfort using tools like Jupyter/Colab and reading basic technical documentation
If you meet the above, you’ll be able to move faster through the checkpoints and build a stronger, portfolio-ready project.
2) No-Code / Low-Code Path
No coding experience is required for this path. You only need:
- Willingness to follow the step-by-step checkpoints
- Commitment to watch the support recordings and tutorials provided in the support material (e.g., AI Builder Vault and AI Guild)
- A builder mindset: test, iterate, and improve using the provided templates and walkthroughs
Bottom Line
Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced builder, there is a path for you. Join the challenge, pick the track that matches your current level, and keep learning through the checkpoints and support material.
Stand a chance to win a $6,900 scholarship and ~$5,000 Credits & Licenses, Internships, and more
Prize | Program | Value | Link / Note |
|---|---|---|---|
1st Prize | 🎓 AI Residency Cohort (Feb 2026 start) | $3000 | decodingdatascience.com/airesidency |
2nd Prize | AI for Builders | $1500 | academy.decodingdatascience.com/aiforbuilders |
3rd Prize | CAIO | — | academy.decodingdatascience.com/caiocourse |
Top 15 Finalists | AI Residency Scholarships (Cohort 10) | Up to 80% | Scholarship (up to 80%) |
Breakup of $5000 Credits and Licence
aunch, 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 n8n, flowise, and others. Build AI-driven solutions without writing extensive code.
Two 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 (Jul 2026 start) | $3000 | |
2nd Prize | AI for Builders | $1500 | |
3rd Prize | CAIO | — | |
Top 15 Finalists | AI Residency Scholarships (Cohort 10) | Up to 80% | Scholarship (up to 80%) |
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
$2000 special coupon access from DDS Academy
