From cash flow forecasting to content strategy and distribution, builders everywhere are experimenting with AI to work smarter and faster. But there is a glaring gap between this effort and true impact; a recent study by MIT found that 95% of corporate generative AI pilots fail to lead to measurable business outcomes.
Whether you call it a pilot, a proof of concept, or an initiative, most AI efforts don’t make it over the finish line. The reasons for this failure vary—lack of clarity, insufficient resources, or tools that don’t live up to the hype. While the potential is real, too often teams struggle to translate ideas into solutions that work in practice.
Introducing, the Airtable AI incubator
The Airtable AI Incubator is designed to give builders the space, guidance, and the right environment to turn bold ideas into working solutions.
“To get into the program you have to have an idea,” says Mikayla LaRosa, senior AI programs lead, who runs the incubator. “Participants bring their biggest challenges and boldest visions, and the incubator provides the structure, mentorship, and platform to bring those ideas to life.”
If you have an idea, apply today.
The four questions every builder must answer
For teams eager to make AI work in the real world, the incubator offers a unique opportunity to experiment in a supportive, collaborative environment. Builders gain access to Airtable’s platform and community, where they can test ideas, learn from peers, and get feedback from experts who understand both AI and business workflows.
To apply, builders must answer four questions designed to clarify vision and ensure readiness:
- If resources weren’t a limitation, what’s the one system or workflow you’d design to completely solve your team’s biggest challenge?
- Which AI tools have you experimented with, and what’s been your experience—wins, frustrations, or surprises?
- If you could deploy this app successfully, what would be the quantifiable impact to your team and/or company? How would it change the way your team works?
- What’s holding you back from building this today? (Is it time, skills, clarity—or something else?)
These questions aren’t just hurdles—they’re thought starters. They help builders uncover what matters most and set the stage for meaningful transformation.
The result? Not just another AI project, but a working solution that drives measurable value.
What do you want to build?
If you’ve been sitting on an idea—or if your team has been experimenting with AI but hasn’t yet made the leap—this is your chance. Applications for the Airtable AI Incubator are open now and close 12pm ET, September 30th.
Bring your boldest idea, answer four questions, and take the first step toward turning vision into reality.
Apply for the Airtable AI incubator today.