Academy
Cohort 1 · April 2026

Build with AI Bootcamp

Everything you need to know before we start. Bookmark this page and come back to it anytime.

Welcome

Welcome to the Build with AI Bootcamp. Over the next 4 weeks, you'll go from an idea to a deployed product. A real app, on a real domain, that real people can use.

Each week builds on the last. We'll work together live, you'll build on your own during the week, and by the end you'll have something you're proud to share.

This page is your home base. It has your schedule, tools, and everything you need to hit the ground running on Day 1.

What to Expect

You'll be in a small cohort of about 10 people. The first session starts with introductions. We'll go around the room, hear what everyone wants to build, get to know each other, and start forming a sense of community. From there, we'll guide all of you into building your apps right away.

Each 2-hour session is hands-on. We teach a concept, then you build. There's live instruction, guided building time, and Q&A throughout. You'll also get light optional work between sessions to keep momentum going.

Here's how the 4 weeks break down:

  • Week 1: Set up and buildGet your development environment ready. Learn how to prompt AI effectively. Build your first working prototype locally.
  • Week 2: Design and refineApply product thinking and design principles. Make your app intuitive and beautiful. Plan your features with intent.
  • Week 3: Connect and deployDeploy to a server. Connect a database. Add authentication and payments.
  • Week 4: Launch and shipLaunch on your own domain. Submit to the app store (if mobile). Marketing and monetization basics.

Schedule

Live sessions are every Saturday morning. Come ready to build.

WeekDateTimeTopic
1Mar 7, 202610:00 AM – 12:00 PMSet up and build
2Mar 14, 202610:00 AM – 12:00 PMDesign and refine
3Mar 21, 202610:00 AM – 12:00 PMConnect and deploy
4Mar 28, 202610:00 AM – 12:00 PMLaunch and ship

Zoom Info

All sessions are held over Zoom. Join a few minutes early to get settled.

Meeting Link

https://zoom.us/j/XXXXXXXXXX

Passcode: XXXXXX

Tools to Set Up

You don't need to set any of this up before our first session. We'll walk through everything together on Day 1. But if you'd like a head start, here's what we'll be using. Don't worry if any of this looks unfamiliar, that's exactly what the bootcamp is for.

Cursor

The AI-powered code editor we'll use for everything. Think of it as a smart notepad that helps you write code.

Download Cursor →

GitHub

Where your project lives online. Think of it like Google Drive for code. Sign up for a free account.

Sign up for GitHub →

Vercel

Where your app goes live on the internet so anyone can use it. The free plan is all you need.

Sign up for Vercel →

Supabase

Where your app stores data, like user accounts and content. All in one place.

Sign up for Supabase →

Claude Pro or ChatGPT Plus

An AI assistant subscription. We recommend at least one. Claude Pro works great with Cursor.

Get Claude Pro →

Node.js

A behind-the-scenes tool that makes your app run on your computer. Just install it. You won't need to interact with it directly.

Download Node.js →

Tech Stack

Here's what we'll be building with. You don't need to know any of this beforehand. We'll teach you everything as we go. This is just here so you have a reference.

For web apps

Next.js

React framework that handles routing, server-side rendering, and API routes. The standard for modern web apps.

Learn more →

Supabase

Database, authentication, and file storage in one platform. No backend setup required.

Learn more →

Tailwind CSS

Utility-first styling. Fast to write, consistent results, and AI understands it really well.

Learn more →

Vercel

Deployment platform built for Next.js. One-click deploys, custom domains, and it's free to start.

Learn more →

For mobile apps

React Native + Expo

Same JavaScript and React you learn for web. Works in Cursor. Builds for both iOS and Android.

Learn more →

Supabase

Same backend as web apps. Works identically for mobile.

Learn more →

Expo Go

Test your app on your phone instantly. No app store setup needed during development.

Download Expo Go →

Come Prepared

You don't need to do any homework. Just come with these:

  • 1–2 product ideas. What do you want to build? It can be simple. A tool for your business, an app you wish existed, a side project you've been thinking about.
  • Laptop, charged. Mac or Windows, both work. Make sure Cursor is installed and you can open it.
  • Notebook (optional). Some people like to sketch ideas or jot things down. Totally optional.
  • A good internet connection. We'll be on Zoom and building live. A stable connection helps.

Resources

We've put together a collection of prompts, templates, and reference material to help you during and after the bootcamp.

Prompts, templates, and cheat sheets

Copyable prompts for every phase of building, a project kickstart template, common commands, and more.

Open resources →

Your Instructors

The same team building QTR and shipping products at QTR Studio.

Swami, Lead Instructor
Lead Instructor

Swami

Founder & CEO, QTR

A product strategist, UX designer, and engineer in one person. Built the airport kiosk for US Airways (now American Airlines), used by millions of passengers.

Won national awards at Microsoft and Google. Over 25 years of software experience. Has been building products with AI for 3+ years.

Teaching is a core passion. Outside of tech, Swami runs a 12-week photography program with the same hands-on approach he brings to this bootcamp.

Rishi, Co-Instructor
Co-Instructor

Rishi

Co-founder & CTO, QTR

Manages the entire engineering team behind QTR and has shipped enterprise applications for companies of every size. A backend architect and engineer who builds production systems that don't go down.

Deeply experienced with AI, from prompting strategy and product architecture to detailed project plans. In the bootcamp, you'll learn the exact process he uses to go from idea to shipped product.