Free AI: Round 2! What You Can Build for $0 as a Developer in 2026
Details
This month we're teaming up with our friends at GDG Phoenix / PHX Android for a hands-on build night at HeatSync Labs.
Instead of a passive slide lecture, this is an open working workshop focused on what you can build with AI without spending a dime -- no monthly subscriptions, no burning through paid API credits, and no surprise cloud bills.
Whether you want to wire up a local model (via Ollama or LM Studio) to a Ruby script or Rails app, experiment with zero-cost hosting, or just need an excuse to knock out that stubborn side project you've been putting off, all stacks and skill levels are welcome.
What We'll Be Doing
- Local AI on your machine: Running models locally for $0 without external API dependencies.
- Zero-cost hosting: Getting projects live using generous free tiers (Cloudflare, GitHub Pages, Google Cloud).
- Open build & hack session: Share an idea, roll up your sleeves, and build alongside folks across the Phoenix tech community.
Bring your laptop, a charger, and an idea you'd like to hack on.
See you there!