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🚀 Apply for BuildCore Batch 1 & 2

Program for Engineers in SWE and AI

A selective (~5% acceptance) two-week batch for both early-career and seasoned developers. Work on real projects sponsored by Series A startups. Learn from world-class founders. Be recognized among a cohort of top talent. The best part?

All for Free. All BuildCore applicants will also be considered for internship and full-time opportunities with our hiring partners.

What is Headstarter BuildCore?

BuildCore is a completely free, high-prestige, two-week sprint designed for high-potential engineers. This year, we are hosting two cohorts separated into two batches: BuildCore Beta: July 21st, 2025 - August 3rd, 2025 BuildCore Elite: August 11th, 2025 - August 24th, 2025 Participants will be given hands-on projects, targeted workshops, daily webinars on the latest AI trends, and guest speakers. You’ll build the skills and the network to stand out in today’s job market. This program is a pipeline to full-time offers at Series A startups in Silicon Valley and New York City.

Program Highlights

🚀 100% Free & Selective - A competitive cohort for the most driven builders.

🚀 Weekly Project Kickoffs - Start each week strong with clear deliverables and live guidance.

🚀 Guest Speaker Series - Learn from engineers, founders, and product leaders at top companies.

🚀 2 Founders Meet & Greets - Connect directly with startup founders shaping the future of tech.

🚀 Project Demos - Share your work, get feedback, and showcase your skills to peers and mentors.

🚀 Hackathon Finale - You will be paired in teams with others in your cohort to build something bold on Demo Day and compete for a grand prize from our sponsors.

🚀 Program Certification - Complete BuildCore and earn a shareable LinkedIn credential to showcase your experience.

Timeline

Application Deadline: July 11th, 2025 Acceptance Notification: July 14th, 2025 BuildCore Beta: Program Duration: July 21st, 2025 - August 3rd, 2025 BuildCore Elite: Program Duration: August 11th, 2025 - August 24th, 2025

Who Should Apply?

We're looking for both early-career and seasoned engineers who are serious about breaking into top-tier roles or leveling into Staff Software Engineer and beyond.

You should apply for BuildCore Beta if you're currently in college, or graduated in 2024 or later. You should apply for BuildCore Elite if you graduated in 2023 or before. For both cohorts, we are looking for applicants who: 1. Built projects, shipped code, or contributed meaningfully to technical teams. 2. You thrive in fast-paced environments and value accountability, deadlines, and feedback. 3. You're motivated by building real things given by founders.

This program isn't for the casually curious. It's for engineers who yearn to get better and build what's next. Upon completion, top participants will be offered full-time interviews with Series A startups in Silicon Valley and New York City.

Big things start with bold moves. Apply now.