Building capability for the age of intelligent systems
Turn AI Skills Into Real Leverage—Fast & Free
Big Lever Institute provides a free onramp to the AI era. We train people and teams through studio-style cohorts, support new venture launches, and publish open playbooks any organization can adopt–all at no cost.
Our mission is to get more people building, shipping, and launching with AI and create pathways for builders, founders, and organizations to thrive in the age of intelligent systems.
Where We Come From
Big Lever Ventures
Ships AI-native products using a transparent "collaboratory" model (humans + intelligent systems, weekly ship loops).
The Institute
Takes that startup energy and applies it to entrepreneurial education and workforce readiness—because capability creates opportunity.
Ventures builds products and companies. The Institute builds capability—and shares what works freely and publicly.
What we do
We turn curious people into builders. We turn builders into founders. We make AI competency tangible by turning methods into momentum—for everyone and for free.
Train
A 12-week, studio-style Onramp with hands-on practice using real tools and workflows—culminating in a portfolio that demonstrates capability.
Enable
A founder path to build, test, and launch; an operator path to become credible for AI-era roles, an "intrapreneurial" path combining the two.
Publish
Self-guided learning, open prompts, SOPs, and "How it Works" guides individuals and organizations can reuse to build AI capability.
Who We Serve
We serve people who want to build real AI skills, ship projects, and break into the fields that drive the future.
1
Recent grads locked out of “entry-level” AI roles.
2
Career-switchers who need to learn AI tools to advance.
3
Founders and self-starters who’d rather ship than just study.
4
Professionals and educators grappling with AI's impact.
5
Practical learners seeking direct paths to real AI skills.
Free Programming That Works
Our approach is designed to transform learning into tangible skills and real-world impact, focusing on practical application and measurable outcomes.
1
Intensive, Hands-on Projects
Work with modern AI tools, including prompting, model usage, workflows, and collaboration, every week. Gain practical experience by solving real challenges.
2
Portfolio-Driven Outcomes
Build a robust portfolio showcasing real-world projects and measurable results, demonstrating your capabilities beyond simple certificates.
3
Flexible Career Pathways
Choose your focus: build products as a Founder/Builder, drive execution as an Operator/Project Manager, or combine both to round out your skills and accelerate your career.