[HPS Podcast: S01 E01] AI Project Costs in Plain English: What an MVP Should Really Cost

A lean AI MVP can often be built for $25k–$150k, whereas a complex MVP with multiple integrations or custom models may run $150k–$300k+.* Recent industry surveys show wide variations.

For example, many small enterprises reported spending around $300k just on initial GenAI proofs-of-concept in 2023. But that’s an average when tackling broad ambitions: you do not need to spend six figures to get value from an MVP. By focusing on a narrow use case, leveraging existing AI services, and tight scoping, companies can pilot viable AI solutions on a five-figure budget.

Complex projects, which might have multiple user flows, custom-trained models, and strict compliance needs will push into the higher end of mid-six figures.

(*All figures are for planning purposes – actual costs will vary. Always treat these as ballpark estimates, not guarantees.)