Program Overview

Funded by the Nasdaq Foundation, AI Forward Studio is a free, 12-week, hands-on experience designed to help rural entrepreneurs build, test, and implement AI-driven solutions for their startups.

Rather than just learning about AI, founders will apply it directly to their startup — creating prototypes, automating workflows, and developing new features that strengthen and scale their companies.

As CORI’s inaugural national studio for rural founders adopting AI, the program brings together innovative entrepreneurs from across the country to build, experiment, and learn. Participants will take part in focused build sprints, mentor-led design sessions, and guided peer collaboration — developing tangible AI-powered outcomes and a lasting community of practice.

Who It’s For

  • Entrepreneurs headquartered in a Rural Innovation Network community.
  • Founders building or refining tech-based or tech-enabled products or services with clear potential for growth. You might have an early concept, prototype, or first users — or be ready to use AI and no-code tools to develop and validate your initial idea during the program.
  • Builders eager to apply AI directly to their operations, marketing, customer engagement, or product development.

We’ll select participants who are ready to experiment, test, and share progress through a collaborative, build-first experience.

Rural entrepreneurs and founders

 

What You Will Do

Over 12 weeks, you’ll work through a structured studio cycle designed to help you identify, build, and test your startup’s most promising AI applications.

The program combines self-paced resources, live design sessions, and guided build sprints so you can move from concept to prototype with expert support.

By the end of the program, you’ll walk away with:

  • A working prototype or applied AI feature for your startup.
  • New frameworks for integrating AI into daily operations.
  • Feedback from peers, mentors, and AI practitioners.
  • Connections to a national network of rural innovators.
Structure:
  • Phase 1 – Pre-Accelerator (Weeks 1–3): Map where AI can add the most value to your startup and design a 12-week build goal.
  • Phase 2 – Build & Implement (Weeks 4–8): Create a working prototype or AI-enabled process with mentor and peer support.
  • Phase 3 – Test & Refine (Weeks 9–12): Pilot your solution, collect data, and refine based on feedback.
Example Projects:
  • Automating your marketing or outreach workflows.
  • Building an AI-powered customer support or research tool.
  • Designing an internal AI assistant or data dashboard.
  • Testing a new AI-based product feature or service.

After program completion, participants retain access to the platform, resources, and mentor network to keep refining their AI systems.

Timeline

Submit Your Application

To apply, click here. You’ll answer a few short questions about your startup, your progress so far, and what you hope to build with AI.

Selections are based on fit, demonstrated traction, and commitment to engage fully in this applied studio experience.

Questions? Contact: dani.blaise@ruralinnovation.us

Apply Now