✦ Beta Cohort · Summer 2026 · 6 Weeks · Remote

AI Startup Career Lab

Build real projects. Learn AI. Grow with founders.

Join a real AI startup project under MovingCOST.ai. Work on practical tasks in product, data, content, SEO, growth marketing, and business development while building a portfolio that shows what you can actually do.

Apply for Beta Cohort → Read the Handbook
Handbook · Apply
A MovingCOST Pathways Initiative

Startup Lab is the real-world project program within MovingCOST Pathways, helping international students and early-career professionals build practical experience, portfolio-ready work, and future career opportunities.

Explore MovingCOST Pathways →
Why This Program

A real startup experience, not another online course

You won't be watching pre-recorded lectures. You'll be doing the work an early-stage AI startup actually needs done.

🚀
Real AI Startup Project
Work directly with the MovingCOST.ai team on practical product and growth tasks.
🧭
Founder Mentorship
Learn from founders with experience in media, branding, entrepreneurship, and AI product building.
📁
Portfolio-Ready Deliverables
Complete research, content, growth, data, or business projects that can be shown in your portfolio.
💡
Career Confidence
Understand how startups work, how products grow, and how to communicate your value.
Project Tracks

Global Mobility is becoming one of the world's fastest-growing digital service markets.

At MovingCOST.ai, participants explore how AI can reshape international relocation, digital products, and global lifestyle services through real startup projects.

What you'll work on

Pick a track that fits your interests — or explore more than one across the cohort.

✍️
AI Content & SEO
Research city guides, moving cost topics, search trends, and create content briefs.
📊
Data & Market Research
Collect and analyze city, cost-of-living, relocation, and competitor data.
📈
Growth Marketing
Design social media campaigns, user acquisition ideas, and referral strategies.
🤝
Business Development
Research potential partners, sponsors, moving companies, real estate agents, and local service providers.
🎨
Product & User Experience
Review product flows, test features, collect feedback, and suggest improvements.
⚙️
AI Workflow & Automation
Explore how AI tools can support research, content, marketing, and operations.
6-Week Beta Cohort Journey

Weekly journey

Week 1 — Startup Mindset & MovingCOST Overview
Week 2 — Research, Data & Market Mapping
Week 3 — SEO, Content Strategy & AI Workflows
Week 4 — Growth Marketing & Community Outreach
Week 5 — Business Development & Sponsor Research
Week 6 — Final Presentation & Portfolio Review
Program Outcomes

What you'll receive

Every participant works on real assignments and leaves with something to show for it. Recognition beyond the program is earned, not guaranteed.

  • 6-week remote AI startup project experience
  • Weekly founder / mentor sessions
  • Real project assignments
  • Portfolio-ready deliverables
  • Final presentation opportunity
  • Completion Letter for qualified participants
  • Recommendation Letter may be available for outstanding participants, based on actual participation and performance
Program Handbook
Read the full structure, expectations, weekly journey, deliverables, evaluation, and completion policy.
Open Handbook →
What You'll Take Away
  • AI project portfolio
  • SEO growth case study
  • Startup collaboration experience
  • Professional completion certificate
  • Optional recommendation letter (performance based)
Da Vinci Zhao
Meet the Founder Mentor

Da Vinci Zhao

Founder
MovingCOST.ai

Da Vinci Zhao is the founder of MovingCOST.ai and brings more than 20 years of experience across media, publishing, branding, international marketing and digital product development.

Today his primary focus is building AI-powered products that help people make smarter global mobility decisions while giving students hands-on experience inside real startup environments.

  • AI Product Building
  • Digital Venture Development
  • Global Brand Strategy
Who This Is For

Who should apply

Beta Cohort Details

Program details

Format
Remote
Duration
6 weeks
Time Commitment
8–10 hours/week
Language
English / Chinese support available
Cohort Size
Limited seats
Start Date
To be announced

Tuition includes access to premium AI production tools, selected software resources, structured project mentorship and personalized portfolio guidance.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is this a paid job?
No. This is a project-based career development program. Future paid internship or employment opportunities may be considered for outstanding participants, but they are not guaranteed.
Will I receive a certificate?
Qualified participants who complete required sessions and deliverables may receive a Completion Letter based on actual participation and performance.
Is this related to OPT or H1B?
This program does not guarantee OPT, CPT, STEM OPT, H1B, or any immigration benefit. Students should consult their school DSO or immigration attorney for visa-related questions. This program is an educational startup laboratory and professional development program. Enrollment does not establish an employer–employee relationship.
What kind of work will I do?
Participants may work on research, SEO, content strategy, data analysis, growth marketing, product testing, and business development tasks related to MovingCOST.ai.
Who is the program best for?
It is best for students who want real startup exposure, practical project experience, and a stronger portfolio.

Program at a Glance

Key details for the first Founding Cohort

Duration
6 Weeks
Format
Remote
Seats
10 Fellows
Tuition
USD $2,000

Founder Scholarship:

Exceptional applicants may receive scholarships of up to USD $400.
Scholarships are awarded during the admissions review process.

Payment Policy:

No payment is required to apply.
Payment is requested only after acceptance into the cohort.

Founding Cohort introductory tuition. Future cohorts may have different pricing as the program expands.

Apply Now

Apply for the Beta Cohort

We are accepting a small number of motivated students for the first beta cohort. Tell us about your background, interests, and what you hope to build.

Apply Now →

Build something real this summer.

Join MovingCOST.ai's AI Startup Career Lab and turn your summer into a real project experience.

Apply for Beta Cohort →