Intro track¶
Rolling enrolment
SICIC Intro track
Build a simple but real AI agent system in four weeks, then turn it into a public knowledge base and proof of work.
What You'll Build¶
By the end of this track, you will understand how to build and run a simple but real owned AI workflow:
- A Telegram-connected agent running on your own VPS
- A safer Week 1 setup with basic hardening and ownership habits built in
- A first agent shaped by clear workflow design plus
SOUL.mdandSKILL.md - A MkDocs and GitHub Pages site that publishes useful outputs from your system
The point is not to impress people with complexity. The point is to build a useful, portable system that is actually yours.
Who Should Apply¶
Beginners to agents
People who use AI chats already but have not yet built an owned agent workflow.
Non-technical professionals
People who want a concrete first system without disappearing into infrastructure sprawl.
Practical builders
People who want a working setup on their own VPS, not just a conceptual overview.
Future advanced builders
People who want the clean foundation first before moving into orchestration and larger toolchains.
Want a gentler start? Try the pre-bootcamp before joining the Intro track.
It is a lighter entry point for non-technical people and a useful warm-up for anyone planning to start the workshop.
You do not need a coding background. You need a clear use case, a willingness to follow the steps, and the discipline to finish the weekly milestones.
Programme Structure¶
Week 1
Deploy & Secure
Start with infrastructure that belongs to you. Set up your VPS, install ZeroClaw, connect Telegram, and establish the basic security habits that make the system usable in real life.
- VPS setup and SSH access
- ZeroClaw installation and first startup
- Telegram bot connection through
config.toml - Basic hardening, authentication hygiene, and safer ownership practices
Week 2
Build Your Own Agent
Turn a vague idea into a bounded agent workflow. Define the job, shape the agent with SOUL.md and SKILL.md, and give it the minimum tools needed to do useful work.
- Workflow design with clear trigger, input, tools, output, and stop condition
- A first research-style agent shaped through
SOUL.mdandSKILL.md - Web search and file-writing tool setup
- Reusable Markdown output saved into your own filesystem
Week 3
Document & Publish
Turn saved notes into a readable public resource. Organise your Markdown, structure your MkDocs site, and publish the result through GitHub Pages.
- Clear
docs/structure andmkdocs.ymlnavigation - MkDocs Material site preview running locally
- GitHub repository connected to an automated publishing flow
- Live GitHub Pages URL as your proof of build
Week 4
Refine & Showcase
Use the final week to close gaps, tighten your documentation, and present what you built. This is where the system becomes coherent, explainable, and portable.
- Final troubleshooting and polish
- Cleaner documentation and portfolio narrative
- Short project walkthrough or cohort showcase
- Decision on whether to deepen the foundation or continue into Builder track
Weekly Live Sessions¶
Every Saturday, 14:00 London Time
60-minute live Q&A with programme directors Yiju Jia and Dr. Bijun Li.
Bring blockers, configuration questions, and workflow design questions. The emphasis is on helping you get the system working, not on abstract theory.
Rolling onboarding: join the next Saturday session for orientation, setup guidance, and track expectations.
All sessions are recorded. Async participation is supported through the member community.
After This Track¶
Foundation first
The Intro track is intentionally simple. It teaches the core architecture: Telegram, VPS, files, tools, documentation, and publishing.
Then go advanced
If you want multi-agent orchestration, larger MCP ecosystems, or automation systems like n8n and OpenCode, continue into the Builder track. Applications are open now.
Why the split matters
Beginners need clarity more than tool sprawl. Advanced builders need broader systems and stronger operational discipline.
Next step
Apply for Builder track if your questions are already moving beyond a first owned agent workflow.
Pricing and Membership Tiers¶
| Tier | Price | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Co-Founding Member Referral | GBP 86 | Referred by one of 31 Co-Founding Members. Path to lifetime free workshop access if you complete all milestones. |
| Alumni Network Referral | GBP 139 | Referred by Oxford Saïd or CEIBS network member. Early pricing. Path to Co-Founding status via completion. |
| Standard Admission | GBP 199 | Open application. Path to Co-Founding status via completion. Lifetime membership regardless of tier. |
All tiers include:
- 4-week hands-on workshop with live weekly Q&A
- Lifetime community access
- All technical guides and documentation
- Permanent eligibility for future workshops at member rates
Co-Founding Member benefits (earned via completion):
- Lifetime free access to all future workshops
- Early voice in community culture, standards, and direction
- Opportunity to shape future workshop formats and contribution paths
- Priority visibility for member demos, build logs, and public proof of work
Tools and Technologies¶
No prior DevOps or infrastructure experience required. The workshop is designed to move from working setup to clear understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions¶
Yes. The Intro track is designed for people who are new to agents, servers, or automation and want one concrete first system instead of endless theory.
For the Intro track, Telegram is the faster path to a working personal interface. It is easier to connect, easier to test, and closer to the phone-first workflow we want participants to experience.
That is Builder track territory. The Intro track teaches the foundation first, then points advanced participants toward broader systems.
All sessions are recorded. The track supports async participation, and most of the work happens on your own schedule.
Ready to Build?
Start with the Intro track. Then move to Builder track when the foundation is solid.
Rolling enrolment is open now. Pricing starts at GBP 86.