Build & Deploy a Live Product in 30 Days
An intensive, hands-on sprint where student teams design, build, and launch production-ready AI-powered products using professional-grade tools. No coding background required. All RPI majors welcome.
Program Snapshot
- 30 Day Sprint
- $500 Toolkit per team
- 0 Coding Prerequisites
- All 5 RPI Schools welcome
About the Academy
From Idea to Deployed Product
The Lally AI Academy is an experiential learning initiative that provides student
teams with access to professional-grade AI development tools and cloud
infrastructure to ideate, build, and launch production-ready products
within a structured 30-day sprint. Made possible through a generous
philanthropic gift from an RPI alum, the Academy equips teams with up to
$500 in state-of-the-art tools and full autonomy to manage their
schedule, resources, and development approach. Teams learn by doing:
managing real budgets, optimizing AI compute credits, collaborating
across disciplines, and shipping a live product that potential employers
can see and use.
Sprint Lifecycle
- Ideation & Discovery
- Planning & Architecture
- Execution & Iteration
- Launch Preperation
- Pitch & Demonstration
What You Gain
Skills That Set You Apart
- AI-Augmented Development: Use generative AI tools for ideation, code generation, debugging, architecture planning, and product refinement with zero prior coding experience required.
- Resource Management: Strategically allocate a limited budget across competing platform needs, developing prioritization and cost management skills employers value.
- Full-Stack Product Launch: End-to-end experience from concept validation through production deployment, resulting in a live product for your portfolio.
- Technical Communication: Articulate product value through video demos, podcasts, and pitch presentations while addressing ethical considerations in AI design.
- Collaborative Innovation: Coordinate efforts within time and resource constraints while leveraging diverse team strengths across disciplines and schools.
- Ethics in AI: Engage with real ethical questions in product design, from user privacy and bias to responsible AI use.
Your Toolkit Includes
Professional-Grade Tools, No Experience Required
AI Coding Assistants: Claude Code, ChatGPT Codex
Cloud Infrastructure: Vercel, Supabase, Neon
Development Platforms: Git, Prisma
Makerspace Access: Center of Gravity (Troy, NY)
Your 30-Day Journey
Timeline
- Apply: Submit team application with concept and mentor confirmation.
- Day 1: Ideation & Discovery.
- Week 1: Planning & Architecture and budget allocation.
- Weeks 2–3: Execution & Iteration with AI-augmented development.
- Week 4: Launch Preparation including Q&A and documentation.
- Day 31: Submit & Present final materials.
Final Deliverables
- Video Podcast: Team reflection on journey and lessons learned.
- Product Walkthrough: Demonstration of features and functionality.
- Live Deployment: Production-ready accessible version of product.
- Code Repository: Complete git repository of codebase.
Outcomes & Pathways
- Certificate of Completion from Lally AI Academy.
- Eligibility for Additional 30-Day Sprint.
- Referral to Severino Center for entrepreneurship opportunities.
Eligibility & Requirements
Team Requirements
- Minimum 3 team members
- At least 1 Lally student
- Confirmed faculty or staff mentor
- Additional members from any RPI school welcome!
No Prerequisites
- No coding experience required
- All majors and programs welcome
- AI tools provide self-service instructions
- Pivoting from initial idea is encouraged
Ready to Build Something Remarkable?
Sprint window opens April 1. Groups select start date.
Contact: LallyData@rpi.edu
