The process
Three steps.
The whole thing takes about a week.
01
Fill out the application
Tell us who you are, what you do, what you want to build, and why now. No resume required. We're looking for clear thinking and genuine motivation — not credentials or technical background.
~10 minutes
02
Complete the take-home project
After submitting your application, we send you a short pre-work project. It's designed around what you already know — use AI tools you have access to, pick a domain you understand, and ship something. This is the most important part of your application.
2–4 hours at your own pace
03
Admissions interview
A 30-minute video call with a MakerSquare instructor. We'll talk through your take-home project, your domain background, and what you want to build. It's a conversation — not a test. If it's a fit, you'll hear back within 48 hours.
Decision within 48 hours
Timeline
Key dates for the
July 2026 cohort.
Now
April 2026
Applications Open
Submit your application any time. Early applicants receive priority review. First-come, first-served for interviews once you complete the take-home project.
Open Now
Rolling
April–June
Take-Home Projects + Interviews
We review take-home projects on a rolling basis and schedule admissions interviews within 1 week of project submission. No waiting for a batch review cycle.
Rolling Review
Deadline
June 15, 2026
Final Application Deadline
All applications for the July cohort must be submitted by June 15. We strongly recommend applying by June 1 to allow time for your take-home project and interview before the cohort fills.
Enroll by
June 22, 2026
Enrollment + Pre-Work Begins
Once admitted, you pay your deposit and gain access to the pre-work curriculum. Most students spend 2–3 weeks on pre-work before Day 1. Enrollment deadline is June 22.
Day 1
July 7, 2026
Program Starts
First day of class. Mon / Wed / Fri, 9am–3pm, Austin TX. Come with your pre-work complete and your product brief ready. The first session goes deep, fast.
Demo Day
August 28, 2026
Demo Day — Public Event
You present your production-ready AI product to Austin operators, investors, and hiring partners. Open to the public — this is a real event, not a classroom presentation.
What we look for
We're not looking for
the most experienced applicant.
We're looking for people who will get the most out of this program and give the most back to the cohort. Here's what matters:
Domain expertise
Years of experience in a specific industry — healthcare, law, finance, real estate, operations, consulting, or anything else. The people who build the best tools know their domain deeply. Your expertise is your unfair advantage.
A specific problem to solve
You don't need to have the perfect product idea. But you should be able to describe a real, recurring problem in your field that AI could plausibly solve. Vague answers here are the most common reason for rejection.
Willingness to show your work
The take-home project is the most important part of your application. We want to see how you think, how you approach a problem, and whether you can ship something imperfect but real — not a perfect polished product.
Full commitment to the schedule
Class runs Mon / Wed / Fri, 9am–3pm for 8 weeks. Project work takes 10–15 hours/week outside class. If you can't commit to this, the program isn't right for you right now. We'd rather you tell us upfront than struggle through.
What doesn't matter for admission
— Prior coding experience
— Prior AI experience
— A degree in technology or engineering
— A fully formed startup idea
— Age, career stage, or job title
The only prerequisites: basic computer fluency (you use software every day), a genuine domain to work in, and the ability to commit to the schedule.
Apply
Start your application.
Takes about 10 minutes.
After you submit, we'll send you the take-home project within 24 hours. Complete it at your own pace, then we'll schedule your interview.
FAQ
Common questions
about applying.
Do I need any technical background to apply?
No. The only prerequisites are basic computer fluency (you use software every day at work) and a domain you know well. We've had doctors, lawyers, real estate agents, and marketing directors build exceptional AI products. Prior coding experience is not a factor in admission.
What does the take-home project involve?
We send you a short, practical challenge that takes 2–4 hours at your own pace. You'll use AI tools you already have access to and work in a domain you know well. We're evaluating your thinking and your willingness to ship something imperfect — not technical output quality.
How selective is the program?
We keep cohorts small (10–15 students) and review every application personally. The most common reason for rejection is a vague or unconvincing answer to "what problem do you want to solve." Be specific. The take-home project matters more than the written application.
Can I apply if I live outside Austin?
Absolutely. Several students each cohort relocate to Austin for the 8 weeks. We have a housing program to make that easy — see the housing page for details.
What happens if I'm not admitted?
We'll let you know within a week of your admissions interview, with specific feedback on why and what would make you a stronger candidate for a future cohort. We keep a waitlist and do reach out if a seat opens.
What's the refund policy if something changes?
Full tuition refund up to 14 days after enrollment. 50% refund up to Day 1 of the program. No refund after the program begins. If you have a serious personal emergency mid-program, we'll work with you individually.