How to Build Solana Apps Faster with AI

You already know how to build. The question is how fast you can start shipping on Solana. This session is for Web3 builders who want to pivot into Solana, and AI-native developers who are comfortable shipping with AI tools but have not yet built seriously on the Solana stack. This is not a beginner coding class. It is a practical workshop for people who already have some technical context and want to shorten the path from idea to working prototype. We will break down how to use AI properly during hackathons, not just to generate code, but to research faster, understand unfamiliar parts of the stack, scaffold faster, debug smarter, and ship with more confidence. The goal is to help builders move from “I know AI” or “I know Web3” to “I can actually build on Solana.” The workshop also covers the Solana dev flow, key tools and resources, and a hands-on walkthrough of how AI can support the process of building a Solana app. Along the way, I’ll share how I personally use AI during hackathons, the mindset that helps, and the mistakes to avoid if you do not want AI-generated mess. This is directly useful for teams building for Colosseum. Speed matters, but clarity matters more. Judges can tell the difference between a rushed prototype and a well-scoped build. This session is about helping you get to a stronger MVP, faster. What you will walk away with: a clearer mental model of how to approach Solana development, practical ways to use AI in hackathons without over-relying on it, useful tools and resources to accelerate your build, and a better workflow for going from idea to prototype under time pressure. If you are already technical, already building, or already using AI, but have been looking for a better way into Solana, this is the room. Agenda Intro: why Solana, why now, and where AI helps in the dev workflowHackathon mindset: how to use AI effectively to move faster, iterate better, and avoid common mistakesHow I use AI in hackathons: practical examples for research, ideation, scaffolding, debugging, and shippingSolana dev stack overview: key tools, docs, and starter resourcesHands-on walkthrough: building or breaking down a simple Solana app flow with AI supportQ&A and guidance for hackathon teams