The Vision: Why This Is Different
This is not about fetching coffee. It’s about shipping code.
We are running a very deliberate, high-bar program structured like a small accelerator inside the company. We are not optimizing for comfort; we are optimizing for growth, credibility, and real-world impact.
No Toy Problems: You won't do internal side work. You will build production-grade tools that real customers can install.
The Bar is Shipping: Every project must pass code review, security scans, and documentation standards before it is published to the marketplace.
Build in Public: You will be encouraged to post regularly about what you are learning and shipping, helping you develop a public engineering voice.
The Operating Model
How We Work
The Setup: Teams of two working in two-week sprints.
The Output: Each sprint produces one marketplace-ready open source asset.
The Demo: Demo days show projects directly from the marketplace, not from local machines.
The Capstone: The summer ends with a final 3-week phase to harden your best project, polish documentation, and execute a community launch.
What You Get (The Deal)
Professional Growth
A Real Portfolio: Leave with a portfolio of shipped software and open source repos used by developers.
Executive Mentorship: Bi-weekly sessions with executive leadership and industry mentors.
Venture Capital Exposure: Pitch your side projects to a minimum of 5 industry-leading VCs at the end of the summer.
Industry Access: Engage in stakeholder meetings across sectors including tech, airline, financial services, and construction.
Tangible Perks
The Hardware: Receive a MacBook Air to keep after the summer.
The Swag: Receive $500 in company gear.
The Network: Become an alumnus of a program we view as a long-term talent pipeline.
Who We Are Looking For
We want novelty and big swings. We are looking for enthusiastic builders who are passionate about open source. Familiarity with the Backboard API is a plus, but a proactive attitude and a desire to ship under pressure are mandatory.
How to Apply
Application Deadline: March 1st, 2026
Step 1: Get in the Ecosystem If you don't have one already, create a free Backboard account. Use the next few weeks to explore the platform if you’re new to it.
Step 2: Build Something If you don't have a project yet, we encourage you to build something now. We want to see your creativity.
Step 3: Record Your Video Note: These videos will not be posted publicly. Your video should include:
Intro: Who you are and your interests outside of tech.
The Walkthrough: Demonstrate a project you've built (ideally on Backboard). Explain the features and functionality.
The "Why": Explain your career goals and why you are a fit for a high-velocity shipping environment. Want to be a founder? Awesome. Want to move the needle on AI adoption? Wicked.
Step 4: Submit (Solo or as a Team) The program operates in teams of two. You have two options:
Apply Solo: We will pair you with another builder based on your skills and location.
Apply with a Teammate: Want to work with a friend?
Agree on a unique "Team Name" (e.g., "Team Blackjacks").
Both of you must submit individual applications.
Enter the same Team Name in the designated field on the application form.
FAQ Section
Is this a paid internship? Yes.
Do I have to apply with a partner? No. If you apply solo, we will match you with a teammate to form the required team of two.
How do I ensure I get paired with my friend? Both of you need to submit separate applications and enter the exact same "Team Name" in the application form.
What happens to the code I write? You will be shipping open source projects into our marketplace.