Building
Get free access or discounts on tools that turn your idea into a working app.
Shipaton 2026 | Apply by September 30
Vibe code an app. Make it real. Win cash doing it.
This is your chance to finally ship your idea, with the tools you need to make it happen, and prizes waiting for you.
Free to joinNo dev experience needed
Your mission
01Prompt an idea
02Ship a real app
03Enter to win
Any AI tool. Any app idea. One real store launch.
A real shot
Anyone who ships has a real shot
- $1M in prizes
- Invitation to App Growth Annual in New York City
- Your app featured on a giant Times Square billboard
- Shippy trophy
- Blog feature plus a 9to5Mac and 9to5Google spotlight
How it works
The push you've been waiting for
That idea in your notes app, or the app you built and never published? Stop sitting on it. We'll help you get there.
- 01
Get an idea
Pick an idea you've always wanted to build, or one that solves a problem you deal with every day.
- 02
Claim your Ship Kit
Free tools, credits, and support are waiting for you from day one.
- 03
Build your app
Use the tool of your choice to prompt your way to a fully functioning app, and integrate RevenueCat to power your subscriptions or in-app purchases.
- 04
Publish it to the App Store, Google Play, or Galaxy Store
Set up an account and submit for review.
- 05
Turn on one purchase or ad
Get one sale, even from a friend or family member, or run a single ad. Either one meets the requirement.
- 06
Submit your project before September 30
Register on Devpost, tag whichever categories fit, then wait for winners to be announced.
Support
We've got your back, every step of the way
Get a free Ship Kit that unlocks 28 sponsor perks automatically as you go, explore expert resources, and join a supportive community.
Testing
Get $100 in free credits to test on iPhone and Android, plus AI that catches bugs before you ship.
Launching
Use tools that make App Store submission and review as painless as possible.
Growing
Try platforms that connect you with new users and turn them into paying subscribers.
- Sponsor perks
- 28
- Milestones
- 5
- Cost to join
- $0
Perks unlocked
Prize categories
21 categories. There's room for whatever you build.
Choose every category that fits your app. Small, focused ideas are welcome — and there are dedicated briefs if you need a starting point.
Featured
Replit's Idea to Income
Build with Replit, monetize with RevenueCat, and prove it earns.
Common worries, answered
Not sure you're ready? We bet you are
I don't have an idea
That's fine. Start with a need you or someone close to you has that nobody's quite solved yet, or check reviews of similar apps to find something people wish existed. Still stuck? Watch our livestream on coming up with an app idea.
Watch the idea livestreamsI've never touched App Store Connect
Most vibe coders haven't either. That's exactly what our resources and community are for, so you don't have to figure out anything on your own.
I'll run out of time
You've got until September 30, and most vibe-coded apps go from idea to store in days. Build your 1.0 fast, then keep improving it right up to the deadline.
I don't know how to make money from my app
Your app only needs one working purchase or ad. Ask your AI tool what to charge for, then have it wire up RevenueCat to power the purchase. Judges can test it with a free trial or a promo code you provide.
Isn't this just another AI app nobody notices
Probably not, if you ship something specific enough to be useful to someone. A small, single-purpose app that solves one thing can be just what users need (and what wins the prize).
Resources
A little something to help you get started
How to build and ship an app with Replit & RevenueCat
Building with Replit? See the entire path from idea to shipped, before you commit to anything.
Zero to Ship
Four questions map out your whole route from an empty project to your first shipped purchase, so you can see how simple it is before you sign up.
Official Rules
See exactly what judges evaluate for each category, so you know what winning requires before you register.
It's time to make it real
Any AI tool. Any app idea. Just ship it.
Apply before September 30, 2026