About this Event
Stop Talking. Start Building.
Have an idea? Make it real.
The Build It Sprint is a fast-paced, hands-on evening where you transform an idea into a prototype, an MVP, an experiment, or an early proof of concept.
Work individually or with a team as you design, build, test, troubleshoot, and iterate — with support from BELL, ProtoStudios, mentors, faculty, and industry professionals on hand all night.
Your build might be an app, an AI tool, a physical product, hardware, a game, a website, a consumer product, a service prototype, or a social innovation.
The goal isn't to finish. The goal is to make something real enough to test.
What You'll Do
- Define the smallest useful version of your idea you can build
- Spend focused time creating and prototyping
- Get hands-on support when you get stuck
- Test assumptions and solve problems in real time
- Get feedback from mentors and other builders
- Leave with something you can demonstrate, refine, or keep developing
Who Should Come
You do NOT need a startup, a BELL Startup Incubator membership, or a polished idea. Just something you're ready to build and a willingness to get your hands dirty.
Your Runway to Build It Jam
The Sprint is the starting line for Build It Jam (November 6–7). Use tonight to make your first version, keep building over the next few weeks, then bring it to the Jam for another concentrated build push before showing it off to campus. Sprint participants are encouraged — but not required — to continue on to the Jam.
Agenda
🕑: 05:30 PM
Welcome + Build Brief
🕑: 05:45 PM
Define Your Build
🕑: 06:00 PM
Build Block #1
🕑: 06:50 PM
Pit Stop
🕑: 07:00 PM
Build Block #2
🕑: 07:40 PM
Show Me What You Made
🕑: 08:00 PM
That's a Wrap
Event venue & nearby stays
221 E College St, 221 East College Street, Iowa City, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.