The Build Cycle

A comprehensive 12-week journey from ideation to deployment, designed to help you build real-world projects with industry mentorship.

Step 1: Ideation & Problem Definition

Week 1–2

Students form teams and brainstorm real-world tech problems aligned with BuildIt's focus areas.

Key Activities:

  • •Students form teams and brainstorm real-world tech problems aligned with BuildIt's focus areas.
  • •Conduct problem validation through short surveys or user research.
  • •Create a 1-page problem statement document that includes:
  • •• The problem and target users
  • •• Proposed solution idea
  • •• Tech stack overview
  • •• Roles of team members

Mentor Review:

Mentors (GSOC/JPMC placed seniors) give feedback and approve ideas.

Step 2: Requirement Analysis & System Design

Week 3–4

Teams break down the idea into functional and non-functional requirements.

Key Activities:

  • •Teams break down the idea into functional and non-functional requirements.
  • •Draw flow diagrams, wireframes, and data models using tools like Figma, Lucidchart, or Excalidraw.
  • •Finalize tech stack choices (frontend, backend, database, APIs, etc.).
  • •Set up GitHub repository, Kanban board (Trello/Notion), and project structure.

Mentor Review:

Review of design documentation and architecture.

Step 3: Prototype Development

Week 5–6

Build a minimum viable product (MVP) or working prototype covering the core functionality.

Key Activities:

  • •Build a minimum viable product (MVP) or working prototype covering the core functionality.
  • •Implement basic UI, backend connection, and at least one working feature.
  • •Conduct internal testing and team code reviews.
  • •Submit MVP demo for mentor feedback.

Mentor Review:

MVP demo for mentor feedback.

Step 4: Full-Scale Implementation

Week 7–9

Expand on the MVP to develop the complete version of the project.

Key Activities:

  • •Expand on the MVP to develop the complete version of the project.
  • •Integrate additional modules, authentication, APIs, and databases.
  • •Optimize performance and ensure scalability.
  • •Maintain consistent commits and documentation.

Mentor Review:

Code review and progress evaluation.

Step 5: Testing, Debugging & Optimization

Week 10–11

Conduct unit, integration, and user testing.

Key Activities:

  • •Conduct unit, integration, and user testing.
  • •Fix bugs, improve UI/UX, and ensure data integrity.
  • •Collect user feedback or simulated test data for evaluation.
  • •Prepare project documentation, including:
  • •• README
  • •• API references
  • •• Setup instructions
  • •• Deployment guide

Mentor Review:

Final testing and documentation review.

Step 6: Final Presentation & Deployment

Week 12

Deploy the project and prepare final presentation.

Key Activities:

  • •Deploy the project (on Vercel, Netlify, or cloud platforms).
  • •Prepare a final presentation + demo video.
  • •Present to mentors and BuildIt coordinators.
  • •Receive feedback + certification + potential incubation support for the best projects.

Mentor Review:

Final presentation and project evaluation.

Ready to Start Your Build Journey?

Join the first BuildIt cycle and transform your ideas into real-world projects with industry mentorship and peer collaboration.

Join the First Cycle