WSTI's AI Project Hub (Weekly)

Our weekly hands-on "Shed" for Western Sydney's builders, founders, and creators. All skill levels are welcome!
Ready to stop just talking about AI and start building with it?
Welcome to WSTI's AI Project Hub—the hands-on heart of the WSTI community. This isn't a traditional class or a lecture. It’s a weekly, drop-in "Shed" designed for collaborative, project-based learning, where we turn ideas (beginner or ambitious) into real, working prototypes and products.
Whether you're a founder with a specific problem, a developer testing a new tool, or a complete beginner curious about what you can make, this is your space to build, learn, and collaborate.

### The Four Pillars: Why You Should Join the AI Project Hub

We provide the access to the path (start to success), the experts, the tools, and the opportunity. All for free.
1. Follow a Curated Project Path (All Skill Levels) Don't know where to start? We've solved the "what next?" problem. We provide a carefully curated collection of projects that guide you from beginner to intermediate. Learn hands-on, practical skills at your own pace with a clear path to grow and succeed.
2. Get Expert Mentorship, Not Just Tutorials Don't get stuck in a "tutorial rut." Our lab is powered by the community. Experienced WSTI AI experts and mentors will be there, working on their own projects and ready to help you get unstuck, answer your questions, and guide you on your journey.
3. Access Our Shared "AI Experimentation Stations" Curious about paid AI tools but don't want the $100+/month subscription? We provide several dedicated, themed "AI Stations" (shared laptops) for members to experiment on. Each station is loaded with the premium tools for a specific task, allowing you to "try before you buy" and experiment.

• The Advanced LLM Station: Compare all major models head-to-head (ChatGPT Plus, Claude Pro, Google AI Pro, Best Opensource AI Models).
• The Visuals Station: Experiment with top-tier image and video generators like Midjourney, state-of-art Video models.
• The Automation Station: Build agentic workflows using platforms like n8n and other automation tools.
• The AI Coding Station: Test out AI-first coding assistants like Lovable Pro, Replit Core, and Cursor Pro.

4. Access a Real Innovation Pathway Your project doesn't have to end at this Project Hub. Through our strategic partnerships with the Western Sydney Startup Hub (WSSH), WSU LaunchPad and City of Parramatta, we provide a clear pathway to help you turn your idea into a real business or social initiatives, with priority access to ecosystem programs, resources (e.g., discounted co-working) and support.

### Who is This For?

This lab is for everyone with curiosity and ambition. We believe the best innovation happens when people with diverse skills come together.

• Founders & Small Business Owners: Want to build an AI agent to automate tasks or create a simple app for your customers? This is your lab.
• Curious Beginners: New to AI? Our guided project path is the perfect way to start building your skills.
• Developers & Tech Enthusiasts: Want to experiment with the latest models, build a complex agent, or find collaborators for a new project? This is your space.
• Students & Creatives: Need to build a portfolio? Come and create AI-generated visual assets, apps, and more.

### How it Works: The "Shed" Model

Our lab runs on a flexible, peer-to-peer support model.

• DROP IN ANY SESSION: This is a weekly, casual drop-in session. Come when you can, for as long as you like.
• CHOOSE YOUR PATH: You have three options:

1. Guided Projects: Pick a project from our curated, step-by-step menu.
2. Your Own Project: Bring your startup idea or business problem.
3. Just Tinker: Simply come to experiment on our shared, themed AI Stations.

• LEARN TOGETHER: The magic is in the community. Get unstuck by asking a mentor, share what you've learned, and build alongside fellow innovators.

### What to Bring:

• You will need to bringing your own laptop (BYOD) for your main project work within or outside of the Hub.
• We also provide several shared "AI Stations" (pre-loaded with premium tools) for experimentation or for those who need a device.
• Your ideas and your curiosity!

Join us on Tuesday nights and let's build our future, together.