Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a technical background to join?

No fixed background is required. You can build using code, AI-assisted development (eg. Claude Code), no-code platforms, or a combination of all three; we support whatever approach gets your project built. The main requirement is showing up ready to build, not a specific resume.

What other costs should I expect beyond the program fee?

Budget $30-150/month for tools and services.

Expected for most projects: Claude Code Pro ($20/month) for project planning and AI coding assistance, plus AI API usage like OpenAI GPT-4o ($10-50/month depending on usage)

Common but project-dependent: Hosting/deployment on Vercel Pro ($20/month), Replit Core ($20-25/month), or Lovable Pro ($25/month), or other coding tools like Cursor Pro ($20/month), plus workout automation via n8n Cloud (€20/month)

Optional: Docker Pro ($9/month) for containerization, specialized deployment platforms like Fly.io ($10-30/month)

Most participants spend $30-50/month total. We'll guide you on cost-effective choices and many tools offer free tiers to start experimenting.

What can I build in Buildcamp?

That is up to you and how much time you want to put in. To get a sense, check out these demos from our alumni. Note, however, we see commonly that participants end up refining their original idea in terms of scope and approach. So you have to be open to evolving your idea as we provide feedback and you experience the feasibility firsthand.

What is the expected time commitment?

Per week: • 10-15 hrs - Project work and learning through structured workouts • 1.5 hrs - Cycle demo sessions (every 2 weeks) • Async - Slack discussions and mentor Q&A

If you add 1-on-1 mentorship hours, budget extra time for those sessions as you schedule them.

Summary: You need about 10-15 hours a week to make meaningful progress. The program is async-first and self-paced, so you can arrange that time flexibly around your schedule.

What happens if I start the cohort and then realize that can’t continue?

It is understandable that your circumstance might change or after starting you might decide that you need more time to prep to get the most out of the program. To accommodate that, you are allowed to transfer your registration to a future cohort until the end of the first week of the program{transferDays}.

Note that this is a one-time option, and requesting a transfer waives your right to a refund for that registration.

What’s the refund policy?

You can request a refund up to the end of the first week of Buildcamp{refundDays}.

Are there discounts / scholarships available?

Yes! We frequently provide discount code during our weekly events (happening most Fridays).

If you are an AISC member, check Slack.

If you want to be part of the above, send an email to buildcamp@ai.science

Is there a bulk purchase discount?

Send me an email (buildcamp@ai.science) to discuss details if you are interested in private cohorts or you want to register groups and want to coordinate.

Do you offer private / corporate cohorts?

Yes! Minimum group size is 10. The cost depends on the group size, and the level of customization needed, but you can imagine approximately 50%-100% higher rates than individual registrations. Send me an email (buildcamp@ai.science) to discuss details.

What happens if I can't make a live session?

The program is async-first: support happens through Slack and cycle demos, so there are no required live sessions to miss - you work on your own schedule within the cycle structure. If you've added 1-on-1 mentorship sessions, those are booked directly with your mentor, so just reschedule with them if something comes up.

What happens if I can't make a cycle demo or public demo sessions?

Cycle demos are recorded video submissions, so if you can't attend the live session, you can submit your recording ahead of time and watch the session recording later for feedback. The public demo is also done via recorded video.

What tools or software can I use?

That depends on how involved you want your project to be. Typically people end up using: • Strategy and architecture (eg. Google Docs, Miro) • Quick prototyping (eg. N8N, Claude Code, Cursor) • Coding (eg. Python, LangGraph, LangChain)

Is technical support / feedback available during / after Buildcamp?

Plenty. 1 on 1 mentorship sessions. Group office hours. Async questions / answers on slack.

After the program, you can stay in the same Slack workspace and post your technical questions and the broader community can answer.

Most of the mentors also do contract advisory work, if needed, outside of Buildcamp.

What is Sherpa B?

Sherpa B is our structured workout system, delivered as an MCP server you connect to the AI tool you already use (like Claude Code). It guides you through 12 workouts across the three cycles, helping track progress and recommend next steps, right inside your own coding environment. This feature was first launched in alpha with our October 2025 cohort and is being actively improved based on builder feedback. The beta version launched with the January 2026 cohort and continues to improve with the March 2026 cohort.

It's an experimental supplement to help you stay organized between sessions - your human mentors and instructor remain hands-on and available for the personalized support and technical guidance you need.

Do I have to come up with my own project idea?

Ideally, but not necessarily!

You can also brainstorm with the mentors about rough ideas you have and refine them into concrete project ideas during onboarding.

Or you could team up with others who have concrete ideas.

If you need a starting point, we can suggest a project to build on, but you still have to go find one real person who would depend on it. That person, not the project, is the actual rep.

I have a project with confidential details. Will you help me with that?

Given that this is NOT a formal advisory engagement, none of the mentors are under confidentiality restrictions.

Please do not share any information that is sensitive in terms of IP or confidentiality with the mentors or peers.

For alternative engagements, book me to discuss the best option

Will I get a certificate?

We issue one if it is helpful (for any reason, including but not limited to getting reimbursed by your company), but we generally think your public demo video, showing a real skeptic relying on what you built, is the stronger proof to have.

What does the 1-on-1 mentorship add-on include?

Membership includes the same core program for everyone: 12 structured workouts, cycle demos, public demo, and async Slack support. On top of that, you can add 1-on-1 mentorship sessions at checkout - book sessions with a mentor as needed, with no fixed schedule or commitment, for more hands-on guidance and feedback.

What if I realize partway through that I need more hands-on support?

No problem! You can add 1-on-1 mentorship sessions at any time during the program - it's not something you have to decide upfront.

Will I get instructor/mentor support without the mentorship add-on?

Absolutely! Amir and the mentors are available via Slack with responses within 24 hours on weekdays. You'll also get feedback during the three cycle demos and public demo. Adding 1-on-1 mentorship sessions gets you scheduled, dedicated time with a mentor on top of that.