Build with AI

The Google AI Studio Bootcamp

Google AI Studio is where Google’s own product teams prototype their apps, and now it’s your turn to build.

What you’ll get: Working applications, real code, and the skills to go from idea to deployed product—no computer science degree required.

Workshop 1: Discover & Explore

The Foundation Session

What You’ll Build

Your first AI-powered application using Google’s starter apps—modified for an African market need you identify.

What You’ll Learn

  • Access Google AI Studio and navigate like a pro
  • Test all 12+ starter apps hands-on
  • Understand what Gemini can actually do (and can’t do)
  • Identify one real problem in your community these tools could solve
  • Modify your first app using the built-in code editor

What You’ll Leave With

✓ Active Google AI Studio account ✓ Your first modified application ✓ Clear understanding of AI capabilities ✓ A problem statement for your final project

Perfect for: Complete beginners, creatives exploring AI, entrepreneurs validating ideas

Workshop 2: Build & Modify

The Hands-On Session

What You’ll Build

A customized version of a starter app that solves your identified problem—with your own prompts, interface changes, and features.

What You’ll Learn

  • Deep dive into one starter app’s source code
  • How to modify prompts for better results
  • Combining features from multiple apps
  • Using the chat bar to rebuild apps on the fly
  • Debugging when things break (they will!)
  • Understanding the Gemini API request/response cycle

What You’ll Leave With

✓ A working prototype you built yourself ✓ Understanding of how the code actually works ✓ Confidence to break and fix things ✓ Your project roadmap for production

Perfect for: Those who completed Workshop 1, builders ready to get technical, anyone with a specific app idea

Workshop 3: Connect & Scale

The Infrastructure Session

What You’ll Build

Your app connected to Google Cloud with proper billing, monitoring, and the ability to handle real users.

What You’ll Learn

  • Setting up Google Cloud projects the right way
  • Understanding free vs. paid tiers (and when to switch)
  • Connecting your API key outside AI Studio
  • Setting up billing without surprise charges
  • Monitoring usage and costs in real-time
  • Budget alerts and spending controls
  • Choosing between AI Studio Build Mode and custom infrastructure

What You’ll Leave With

✓ Production-ready Google Cloud setup ✓ Your API key working in your own code ✓ Cost monitoring dashboard configured ✓ Clear understanding of pricing at scale ✓ Eligibility to apply for $350K in Google Cloud credits

Perfect for: Builders ready to launch, entrepreneurs needing to understand costs, anyone moving beyond prototypes

Workshop 4: Deploy & Grow

The Launch Session

What You’ll Build

Your final application deployed and accessible to real users, with a plan for growth and monetization.

What You’ll Learn

  • Deploying your app (Firebase Studio vs. custom hosting)
  • Adding unique features for your specific market
  • User testing and gathering feedback
  • Iterating based on real usage
  • Applying for Google for Startups credits
  • Building in public: sharing your journey
  • Next steps: turning your app into a business

What You’ll Leave With

✓ Live, deployed application ✓ Real user feedback ✓ Growth and monetization strategy ✓ Application submitted for Google credits (if eligible) ✓ Network of fellow builders ✓ Your story to share with the Imbila community

Perfect for: Committed builders ready to launch, entrepreneurs building businesses, anyone serious about AI development

Workshop Format

Duration: 3.5 hours per session (half-day) Schedule: Weekly sessions over 4 weeks Format: Hybrid (in-person + virtual option) Group Size: Maximum 6 participants (intimate, hands-on) Requirements: Laptop, Google account, internet connection, willingness to experiment

What Makes This Different

No Lectures: You’ll be building from minute one. We learn by doing.

Real Applications: Every participant leaves with working code they can use immediately.

African Context: All examples and use cases focus on problems relevant to our markets and communities.

Peer Learning: Build alongside other creators, share ideas, get feedback, form collaborations.

Continued Support: Join the Imbila AI Builders community for ongoing learning and opportunities.

Real Applications You Could Build

E-Commerce & Retail

  • Virtual try-on for fashion retailers
  • Interior design visualization for furniture sellers
  • Product staging for online marketplaces
  • Traditional wear styling assistance

Education & Learning

  • Video-to-learning app for local languages
  • Interactive flashcard generators
  • Visual explanation tools
  • Study companion apps

Creative Services

  • Brand consistency tools for content creators
  • Style transfer for tourism marketing
  • Character design for animation
  • Before/after visualization for services

Local Services

  • Spatial understanding for inventory management
  • Maps integration for informal markets
  • Location-based service recommendations
  • Property visualization for real estate

Investment

Early Bird (First 5): R25,000 for all 4 workshops (R5000 per person) Standard Rate: R32,000 for all 4 workshops (R8000 per person) Individual Workshop: R8000 per session (R2000 per person)

Minimum of 4 max 6 delegates

What’s Included

  • All 4 half-day workshops
  • Access to Google AI Studio (free, but we guide setup)
  • Starter code and templates
  • Workshop recordings for review
  • 30 days of community support post-bootcamp
  • Certificate of completion
  • Eligibility to apply for Google Cloud credits (up to $350K)

Special Offer

Bring a partner and both get 15% off. Because building is better together.

Meet Your Facilitator

[Your Name/Bio] has been helping African builders leverage cutting-edge technology for [X years]. [Brief background on AI experience, previous workshops, relevant credentials].

This workshop series is based on insights from Logan Kilpatrick (Head of Google AI Studio) and Ammaar Reshi (Product and Design Lead), translated into practical steps for our context.

FAQs

Do I need coding experience? No. If you can use a computer and follow instructions, you can do this. We start from the beginning.

What if I miss a session? You’ll get the recording, but hands-on participation is where the magic happens. Try not to miss!

Will this work on my laptop? If it runs a modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari), you’re good. No special software needed.

Is Google AI Studio really free? Yes. Completely free for the tier we’ll use. We’ll show you exactly when/if you’d need to pay, and how to control costs.

What happens after the 4 weeks? You’ll have working applications and the skills to keep building. Plus access to the Imbila AI Builders community for ongoing support.

Can I build my own idea during the workshop? Absolutely! That’s the goal. We provide the framework; you bring the vision.

Ready to Build?

Limited to 5 participants per cohort to ensure hands-on attention.

Next Cohort Starts: [Date] Application Deadline: [Date]

[Register Now Button]

Questions? Email: [email] Or join our info session: [Date/Link]

The best-kept secret in AI is out. The only question is: will you be one of the first to use it?

Join the AI Studio Bootcamp and build something real.