Perplexity AI is looking to step into the role of an incubator in order to test its multi-agent AI system dubbed Perplexity Computer. On Wednesday, the Arvind Srinivas-led AI firm announced “Billion Dollar Build” — a contest inviting startups to use Perplexity Computer to create a billion dollar company.
Under the challenge, participating startups will be tasked with using Perplexity Computer as their primary tool to create a company that could hit the valuation of $1 billion.
The teams will be givem a time frame of eight weeks or 56 days.
“Design, validate, and build a company with a credible path to a $1B valuation. Ship fast. Get users,” Perplexity said. “Perplexity Computer credits may be awarded to build and scale your company. The engine that runs your business.”
Up to three winners of the challenge will be allocated portions of upto $1 million in seed investment.
The registration for this challenge would begin on April 14. The applicants are mandated to have an active subscription of Perplexity Max or Pro to be eligible to apply for the competition. While Perplexity Pro retails at an annual price of $200, the Max service is priced $2,000 yearly.
After completing the application process, the participants would have to submit a video presentation of their product along with projected traction data including revenue, growth, and engagement targets.
The deadline for submissions is slated for June 2. The finalists would be disclosed on June 5 leading to the project revealations on June 9.
“Top 10 finalists present live on video. Five minutes to show your product. Five minutes of Q&A with judges. Streamed and recorded,” Perplexity noted.
The AI platform claims that its Computer can be used to create personal relocation agent, autonomous localization studio, and stablecoin treasury manager among other protocols.
Source: Perplexity AI
Launched in early 2026, Perplexity Computer has been explained as a workexecuting autonomous AI agent. It marked a shift for Perplexity — pivoting it from just offering generative AI services that answered queries to offer executionary AI services.
The tool is capable of “seeing” digital screens and interacting with softwares like Slace and Excel just like a human.
According to Financial Times, Preplexity’s revenue has surged over 50 percent after just a month after shifting into AI agents with Computer. Its revenue has reportedly doubled between January to March this year to exceed $450 million.
Perplexity is now trying to promote its AI services in the market through such initiatives as AI competition intensifyies with Big Tech firms like Google and Microsoft doubling down on their researches and initiatives. In September 2025, it reportedly raised $200 million funding to hit the $20 billion valuation.