Most applications used by millions of people every single day are powered by JavaScript/TypeScript. But when it comes to AI, most learning resources and code samples assume you're working in Python and will leave you trying to stitch scattered tutorials together to build AI into your stack.
The JavaScript AI Build-a-thon is a free, hands-on program designed to close that gap. Over the course of four weeks (March 2 - March 31, 2026), you'll move from running AI 100% on-device (Local AI), to designing multi-service, multi-agentic systems, all in JavaScript/ TypeScript and using tools you are already familiar with.
The series will culminate in a hackathon, where you will create, compete and turn what you'll have learnt into working projects you can point to, talk about and extend.
Register now at aka.ms/JSAIBuildathon
How the program works!
The program is organized around 2 phases: -
Phase I: Learn & Skill Up Schedule (Mar 2 - 13)
- Self-paced quests that teach core AI patterns,
- Interactive Expert-led sessions on Microsoft Reactor (Livestreams) and Discord (Office hours & QnA)
| Day/Time (PT) | Topic | Links to join |
|---|---|---|
| Mon 3/2, 8:00 AM PST | Local AI Development with Foundry Local | Livestream Discord Office Hour |
| Wed 3/4, 8:00 AM PST | End-to-End Model Development on Microsoft Foundry | Livestream Discord Office Hour |
| Fri 3/6, 9:00 AM PST | Advanced RAG Deep Dive + Guided Project | Livestream Discord Office Hour |
| Mon 3/9, 8:00 AM PST | Design & Build an Agent E2E with Agent Builder (AITK) | Livestream Discord Office Hour |
| Wed 3/11, 8:00 AM PST | Build, Scale & Govern AI Agents + Guided project | Livestream Discord Office Hour |
The Build-a-thon prioritizes practical learning, so you'll complete 2 guided projects by the end of this phase:-
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- A Local Serverless AI chat with RAG
Concepts covered include: -
- A Local Serverless AI chat with RAG
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- RAG Architecture
- RAG Ingestion pipeline
- Query & Retrieval
- Response Generation (LLM Chains)
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2. A Burger Ordering AI Agent
Concepts covered include: -
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- Designing AI Agents
- Building MCP Tools (Backend API Design)
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Phase II: Global Hack! (Mar 13 - 31)
- Product demo series to showcase the latest product features that will accelerate your builder experience
- A Global hackathon to apply what you learn into real, working AI solutions
This is where you'll build something that matters using everything learnt in the quests, and beyond, to create an AI-powered project that solves a real problem, delights users, or pushes what's possible.
The hackathon launches on March 13, 2026. Full details on registration, submission, judging criteria, award categories, prizes, and the hack phase schedule will be published when the hack goes live. Stay tuned!
But, here's what we can tell you now:
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- 🏆 6 award categories
- 💻 Product demo showcases throughout the hack phase to keep you building with the latest tools
- 👥 Teams of up to 4 or solo. Your call
Start Now (Join the Community)
Join our community to connect with other participants and experts from Microsoft &. GitHub to support your builder journey.
- Foundry Discord (#js-ai-build-a-thon channel): Our platform for office hours, live QnA, quick questions, community & expert support
- GitHub Discussions: This is where you'll share ideas, ask questions, find teammates
- Social: Share your progress online using #JSAIBuildathon
Register now at aka.ms/JSAIBuildathon
See you soon!
Microsoft