MVP Tech Lab — Academy
A learn‑by‑shipping academy for builders. Train on real products and places, then step directly into pilots and paid placements across the Innovation Engine (Labs ↔ Ventures).
Why this academy
Learn by shipping
Weekly sprints end in deployed features, prototypes, or field pilots—not slides.
Software + real assets
Where code meets corridors and buildings: mobility, housing, hospitality, making.
Direct pipeline
Talent flows into active projects. Skills and outcomes are verifiable via PersonasOS + The Grid.
Tracks & badges
Product & Data
Product thinking, analytics, prototyping, delivery.
Full‑Stack
API design, front‑end, integrations, and secure auth with PersonasOS.
Hardware & Making
Microcontrollers, kiosks (PrintBox), sensors, field telemetry.
Mobility Ops
Routing, corridor ops, rider programs, partner coordination.
Built‑World Ops
Housing/retail workflows, vendor mgmt, safety & compliance.
Hospitality & F&B
Service design, throughput, events, and culture programming.
How it works
Cadence (4‑week sprints)
- 🎯Discover a real problem with operators & residents.
- 🛠️Build a feature, prototype, or workflow with the shared stack.
- 🚀Pilot in a live corridor/building or staged environment.
- 📊Review usage & economics; ship the next release.
Outcomes
- 🪪Verifiable badges via PersonasOS + The Grid.
- 💼Paid placements & apprenticeships with partners.
Example sprint week
| Mon | Scope & goals · stand‑up |
|---|---|
| Tue | Build block 1 · field check |
| Wed | Build block 2 · review |
| Thu | Pilot prep · QA · docs |
| Fri | Deploy/pilot · retro · showcase |
Cohorts & formats
Foundations (4 weeks)
Core skills + one shipped output. Nights/weekends available.
Advanced (8 weeks)
Two sprints + on‑site pilot work; team leadership reps.
Apprenticeship (12 weeks)
Embedded with Ventures/Labs; strong placement pathway.
Who should join
Learners & switchers
Get hands‑on reps and a portfolio employers can verify.
Employers & operators
Source trained builders; co‑design sprints around your needs.
Cities & campuses
Stand up programs tied to corridors, buildings, and services.
Apply & partner
Partner with us
- 🏢Host sprints on your site.
- 🧑🏫Guest mentor or instructor.
- 🧰Provide tools, credits, or datasets.
- 💼Offer apprenticeships & roles.
FAQ
Cost?
Cohort pricing varies by track; scholarships and employer‑sponsored seats available.
Time?
Most tracks run in 4‑week sprints; advanced tracks stack to 8–12 weeks.
Placement?
Graduates are matched into pilots, apprenticeships, and roles across the ecosystem.
Open the Academy Concept
Everything you need to get started: tracks, dates, and how to apply.