APPLY NOW
Apply for the Futures Programme
Six weeks. Real AI tools. A working product in your portfolio. Employer exposure on Demo Day. And it's completely free.
Check You're Eligible
- You're aged 18–24
- You're based in the UK
- You're curious about building with AI — no prior experience needed
- You can commit around 4 hours per week for 6 weeks
- You have access to a laptop and internet connection
No degree required. No coding experience required. No cost.
The next Futures cohort is launching soon. Spots are limited.
Submit Your Application
This should take about 5 minutes. We'll be in touch within a few days.
What Happens After You Apply
- 1
We review your application and aim to respond within a few days.
- 2
If we'd like to learn more, we may follow up with a short call or email.
- 3
If you're accepted, you'll receive a welcome email with your cohort start date and preparation materials.
- 4
Before the programme begins, you'll get access to introductory content and meet your cohort.
We accept people based on motivation and curiosity, not qualifications or experience. If you're excited about building with AI, you're exactly who this programme is for.
A Quick Reminder of What You'll Do
Over 6 weeks, you'll use AI tools like Claude, Cursor, Lovable, and n8n to build a real, working product. You'll present it to employers on Demo Day. You'll leave with a portfolio piece, real skills, and direct exposure to companies that are hiring.
What the Time Commitment Looks Like
The programme runs for 6 weeks. Each week is designed to take around 4 hours. You work through structured lessons at your own pace, with facilitator support when you need it. Everything is online — there's no fixed schedule you need to work around.
If you're working or studying alongside the programme, that's fine. Most weeks are flexible. The only fixed commitment is Demo Day in the final week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree?
No. Launchpad selects based on motivation and curiosity, not qualifications. Some of our participants chose not to go to university. Some have degrees. Both are equally welcome.
Do I need to know how to code?
No. The programme teaches you to build with AI using natural language tools — you describe what you want in plain English and the AI writes the code. No prior coding or technical experience is needed.
Do I need to be good with AI already?
Not at all. Week one starts from scratch. By week three, you'll be building working software. The programme is designed for people who are curious about AI, not people who are already experts.
Is it really free?
Yes, completely. Launchpad is funded by corporate sponsors who pay to set challenges and hire from the cohort. Participants never pay anything.
Can I do this alongside a job?
Yes. The programme is self-paced and designed to take around 4 hours per week. Many participants will be working or studying alongside it. You work through lessons on your own schedule.
Will this actually help me get a job?
That's the whole point. You don't just learn skills — you build a real product and present it to employers on Demo Day. Corporate sponsors watch you work for 6 weeks and hire directly from the cohort. This isn't a course that ends with a certificate and a job search. It ends with employer exposure.
What kind of product will I build?
Something real and functional — examples include workflow automation tools, AI-powered assistants, data dashboards, or content generation systems. You'll build it using AI tools like Claude, Cursor, Lovable, and n8n. By the end, it's a working product you can demonstrate to anyone.
What if I start and find it too difficult?
The programme is designed so you won't get stuck. Every lesson includes step-by-step instructions, exact prompts to use, and checkpoints to verify your work. Facilitators are available for support. You don't need to be technical — you need to be willing to try.
What device do I need?
A laptop with internet access. A tablet or smartphone isn't ideal for the build phase — you'll be working with AI tools that work best on a larger screen.
How competitive is the application?
We're looking for people who are genuinely motivated and curious, not people with perfect CVs. If you're excited about building with AI and willing to put in the time, you have a strong chance. Tell us why you want to do this in your application — that's what matters most.