Ideate
Pick a real problem, sketch three ways to solve it, and pitch the best one in two minutes.
+100 XPHome / How it works
How it worksFrom first idea to launch.
Every project runs the same loop: ideate, prototype, ship, give back. Along the way you earn XP, climb five ranks, collect six badges and build skills you can use for life.
The four stages
Ideate, prototype, ship, give back
No idea is too small to start. Here is how it grows.
Prototype
Build the rough version at the build stations or laptop lab. Ugly is fine. Working is the goal.
+250 XPShip
Test it with real users, fix what breaks, and launch it at demo day in front of the community.
+500 XPGive back
If it earns money, 10% goes to the library. Then you mentor the next builder through their first loop.
+300 XPA week in the lab
What a typical week looks like
An example of how builders spend their time. Your schedule is built around the days you pick.
Mentor session
Sit down 1-on-1 with your mentor to plan the week's goals and get unstuck.
Workshop
Learn a new skill: coding, design, hardware or how to pitch.
Build time
Work on your project at the build stations or in the laptop lab.
Upkeep and hang out
Do your upkeep role, then join a game, movie or family night.
Rank ladder
Five ranks to climb
Ranks unlock more of the lab and more ways to lead.
0 XP
Rookie
- Tour of the lab
- Pick an upkeep role
- Meet your mentor
500 XP
Maker
- Book build stations
- Join workshops
- First prototype
1,500 XP
Builder
- Lead a hackathon team
- Pitch at demo day
- Recruit teammates
4,000 XP
Founder
- Launch to real users
- Revenue-share agreement
- Spot on the wall of builders
Legend
Mentor
- Guide a new Rookie
- Run a workshop
- Help judge demo day
XP is earned by doing: shipping, showing up, helping out. It is never bought or sold.
Six badges
Badges you earn by doing
Each of our six values is a badge. You earn them through what you build and how you show up.
Demo day
Where projects go public
Demo days are the big moment: builders present what they shipped to family, mentors and the community.
Present your work
Show your project, tell its story and take questions from the audience.
Celebrate together
Families, mentors and friends come to cheer every builder on.
Launch for real
Demo day is often when a project reaches its first real users.
Give back
How the lab keeps growing
Every success makes the lab stronger for the next builder.
01More builders join
02Ideas get built
03Mentors help them grow
04Products earn revenue
0510% returns to the library
If something you build here starts making money, 10% of its revenue goes back to the library so it can support the next builders. Your family keeps the rest, and terms are agreed in writing first.
Questions
Common questions about the journey
How long does each stage take?
It depends on the idea and the builder. Some projects ship in a few months; bigger ones take longer. Your mentor helps set a pace that works.
Can I change my idea?
Yes. Ideas change as you learn. Your mentor helps you decide whether to adjust, start fresh, or keep going.
What if my idea doesn't work out?
That's part of building. You keep every skill and all your XP, and many builders start a second idea with a head start.
Do I have to present at demo day?
We encourage it, and your mentor helps you prepare. Presenting is one of the biggest confidence boosts in the program.
Season 1 starts with your idea.
Bring an idea and build it with us, or join the volunteer crew and help the next builder ship.
Player 1 ready?Register as a builderJoin the volunteer crew
Questions first? Email salam@falahgarden.com