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 | |
2nd Prize | AI for Builders | $1500 | |
3rd Prize | CAIO | — | |
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
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
*Subject to Change
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 [FAQ page] 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
3) Complete Beginners (Airia Workshop Path)
If you’re starting from zero, you’re still covered.
One of our supporters, Airia, will run a dedicated workshop for challenge participants. In this session, you’ll learn how to build an AI application using a no-code/low-code platform, making it easy to start building even without a programming background.
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 ~$10,000 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 $10000 Credits and Licence
$5000 Worth of License by JetBrains All Product Pack for 1 year.
Other $5000 by Airia and other partners ( to annouce soon)
Total Credit & Licence worth $3,300 by Airia
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
$2000 special coupon access from DDS Academy
