AI startup Perplexity has launched a competition called “Billion Dollar Build,” offering up to $1 million in seed funding to participants who use Perplexity Computer to create a startup with a clear path to a $1 billion valuation. Perplexity Computer is a multi-agent AI system designed to execute tasks across models from Anthropic, OpenAI and Google. Participants have eight weeks to turn an idea into a working business, and must build, launch and demonstrate early traction, including onboarding users or showing measurable growth. Perplexity will select up to three winners, each eligible for $1 million in funding along with up to $1 million in platform credits. Registrations open on April 14, 2026, with submissions due by June 2, 2026. Applicants must present a demo video, application details and traction metrics such as user growth or revenue signals. The top 10 finalists will pitch live on June 9, with winners announced on June 10. The competition is open only to US residents aged 18 and above, with entries allowed individually or in teams of two.