Held for a later launch wave — not part of the first launch.

Workshop

Build an MCP App with AI

Publish an App to OpenAI's Appstore, for 900 million users.

See syllabus and enroll

Who this is for

Start where this matches your job.

  • Product Managers who want to ship an MCP App for their product and navigate the submission process.
  • Founders and Makers who want to get into the ChatGPT directory early - about 5000 apps today, like the iPhone App Store in 2008, but for AI.
  • Engineers who want to prototype their first MCP App with no-code tools and skip the undocumented gotchas.

Syllabus

What you'll learn

1

Understand how to give instructions to ChatGPT so it can choose your app

  • MCP tools and metadata act as instructions to ChatGPT
  • Good naming is essntial for your app to be surfaced to users
2

Know the four UI modes and what OpenAI expects

  • Learn what makes a good ChatGPT Plugin
  • Understand what UI modes are available and what they are used for
  • Brainstorm good use cases for Chat apps
3

Build an MCP app using a no-code tool

  • We'll give you the prompts and setup instructions
  • You'll know how to refine your app to get the desired results
  • You'll understand how to evaluate your app in developer mode and in MCPJam
4

Maximize your chances of approval

  • What to know ahead of time so you can prepare for the complex submission process
  • Traps to avoid, especially with undocumented requirements
  • What to expect after submission and how to deal with a rejected app

Logistics

Prerequisites

  • Having a paid ChatGPT subscription. This lets you use developer mode and will also let you submit an app to the OpenAI directory
  • A basic understanding of MCP would be a bonus, though not required. ChatGPT Plugins are based on MCP (MCP Apps are an official extension to the spec)
  • An idea for an app to develop. Not required, we'll give you a template which you can then repurpose

Fit check

Is this right for me?

Will I need to know how to code?

No. We use Fractal, a no-code builder for MCP apps. You'll describe what you want and Fractal builds it, including the UI. No coding required.

I already build MCP servers. Is this too basic?

No, this workshop could be very useful, especially for you. Building an MCP server and shipping a ChatGPT Plugin are two different things. The submission process is full of undocumented gotchas that even experienced builders hit. The no-code builder may also change how you prototype.

Is the ChatGPT App Store actually worth building for?

900 million weekly users. About 5000 apps in the directory today. As one student put it: "We are in the Wild West." This is the early iPhone App Store. The question isn't whether it's worth building for. It's whether you'll be there early enough.

Do I need a ChatGPT paid subscription?

Yes, if you'd like to test your app in Developer Mode and submit it. You can still prototype and test your app in Fractal's preview if not, but it's highly recommended.

Developer Mode is available on the Pro, Plus, Business, Enterprise, and Education accounts

Can I build something for my own product during the workshop?

That's the goal. Past students have said "I'm gonna try making something for my own product" mid-session. You'll use the same workflow on your own idea after the guided demo.

Will my ChatGPT Plugin work in Claude too?

Yes. ChatGPT Plugins are compatible with MCP Apps under the hood. An app you build here will work in Claude, Cursor, and other MCP-compatible hosts.

How is this different from Build What Agents Want?

The full course is 5 days and covers the whole agent experience, APIs, CLI, MCP servers, and MCP Apps.

This workshop focuses on building and submitting a ChatGPT Plugin in one session.

Build What Agents Want runs in live cohorts.

What happens if I can't make a live session?

This is a live, hands-on workshop and attendance is important to get the full experience. If something comes up, no worries. I'll transfer your enrollment to a future session at no extra cost.

I work full-time, what is the expected time commitment?

One 4-hour session. No pre-work required. Optional 30-minute meet-and-greet before and extended Q&A after.

Can my employer reimburse this?

Many participants use L&D or professional development budgets. Maven provides expense templates to make the case.

Next step

Review the full Maven syllabus.

See syllabus and enroll All workshops