Turn Your Idea into a Product with AI

The From Idea to App Bootcamp is a short, focused program designed to help aspiring solo founders build and validate their first product using AI — the critical first steps of the startup journey. The FI Core Program is a long, comprehensive startup accelerator that guides founders through the process of building a fundable, global and enduring business. FI Core Program Alumni get access to a global mentor and investor network, a suite of additional accelerator programs for free, and much more. In addition, all participants of FI Core programs also get free access to FI Bootcamps.

No, you don't need a fully formed idea. Many participants join with just a problem they've noticed in their industry or career. The first module guides you through a structured process to define the problem, identify a target customer, and scope a product worth building and testing. If you already have an idea, the process will help you sharpen it — and your idea may evolve as you build and talk to customers.

Yes — that's exactly what this bootcamp is designed for. AI tools have made it possible for non-technical founders to build real, working products. You don't need coding skills or a technical co-founder. Our instructors will walk you through every step with live demos and hands-on guidance.

Replit (with PostSQL), n8n, and OpenAI (or your preferred LLM such as Perplexity, Claude, etc). Any costs associated with these tools are the responsibility of the bootcamp participants.

There are 4 interactive online sessions with instructors including live demo. All sessions will be recorded and available to re-watch. You can skip a session and watch the recording, but we strongly recommend joining live to ask questions, get feedback from instructors, and connect with other aspiring founders in your cohort. The rest is self-paced work on weekly deliverables.

Yes — all bootcamp sessions will be recorded and you'll be able to watch them anytime at your convenience.

The bootcamp workload is approximately 20 hours spread across 2 weeks. You will spend 5-10 hours per sprint on self-paced work: scoping your product, building it with AI, and validating it with real customers. It's designed for people with full-time jobs who are ready to take the first step.

Yes. Every session features an experienced instructor who provides live demos, guidance, and feedback. Between sessions, you can ask questions and get support from instructors during the AMA sessions that follow each bootcamp.

Yes — that's the goal. By the end of the bootcamp, you will have a working product that you've put in front of real potential customers. You'll also have real feedback to help you decide whether to keep going, pivot, or try a different idea. Either way, you'll have the skills and process to keep building.

Complete a brief application and pay the entrance fee. In the application, you'll answer a few questions about your background and the problem or idea you'd like to explore. You can refine or change your idea during the bootcamp.

Once the entrance fee is paid, participants are automatically enrolled in the bootcamp, and the fee is non-refundable. This policy is designed to encourage you to take the leap. By making this commitment, you overcome the procrastination that holds most aspiring founders back and take a real step toward building something.

Please email any questions to bootcamps(at)founderinstitute.com with an Email Subject: [From Idea to App Question]