Fetch.ai and Internet Computer Launch NextGen Agents Hackathon for On-Chain AI Development

Fetch.ai and the Internet Computer have jointly launched the NextGen Agents Hackathon, a pioneering Web3 event focused on advancing AI agents that operate directly on decentralized cloud infrastructure. Starting August 1, 2025, this hackathon merges Fetch.ai’s autonomous agent ecosystem with the Internet Computer’s “canister” smart contracts, enabling the creation of AI-powered applications that run entirely on-chain without relying on traditional cloud services.

Hackathon Overview

Participants will utilize Fetch.ai’s uAgent framework to build and deploy AI agents on Agentverse, an open agent marketplace, while integrating with the Internet Computer’s decentralized infrastructure. These AI agents are designed to operate autonomously, reflecting a growing trend in Web3 where AI agents evolve from mere tools into independent actors within the digital economy. The hackathon is the inaugural initiative from Fetch.ai’s Innovation Lab in Indonesia and is part of the World Computer Hacker League (WCHL) 2025. It features a $300,000 prize pool distributed across five competition tracks:

• AI
• Bitcoin DeFi
• Real-World Assets (RWA)
• Fully On-Chain
• Open Track
Projects will be evaluated based on their use of Fetch.ai’s tools, integration with the Internet Computer, technical execution, and real-world application potential.

Collaboration and Developer Support

This event highlights the growing synergy between AI and blockchain technologies. Developers will receive mentorship from engineers at both Fetch.ai and Internet Computer, focusing on best practices for intelligent agent development, on-chain integration, and practical Web3 deployments. Transparency, trust, and scalability are emphasized throughout the hackathon, aligning with the core principles of Web3. By enabling AI agents to operate independently on decentralized infrastructure, the hackathon aims to reduce the complexity barrier that often hinders mainstream Web3 adoption. Unlike human users who require onboarding, AI agents interact through APIs and prioritize performance, making them ideal for seamless integration into decentralized platforms. This shift could accelerate Web3 usage and acceptance by simplifying interactions and reducing entry barriers.

Future Implications

The NextGen Agents Hackathon represents a significant step toward a future where AI is more autonomous, transparent, and accountable. As AI agents increasingly take on roles in identity verification, financial systems, and other critical areas, the need for secure, decentralized environments becomes paramount. Through this initiative, Fetch.ai and the Internet Computer are fostering innovation that could reshape AI development and deployment, advancing Web3’s core principles while addressing security needs in decentralized environments.

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Source: Fetch.ai and Internet Computer Launch NextGen Agents Hackathon for On-Chain AI Development (Published August 2, 2025)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

About the Hackathon

Q: What is the NextGen Agents Hackathon? A: The NextGen Agents Hackathon is a Web3 event jointly launched by Fetch.ai and the Internet Computer, focused on advancing AI agents that operate directly on decentralized cloud infrastructure. Q: When does the hackathon start and end? A: The hackathon begins on August 1, 2025. The end date is not specified in the article. Q: What is the main goal of this hackathon? A: The main goal is to enable the creation of AI-powered applications that run entirely on-chain without relying on traditional cloud services by merging Fetch.ai’s autonomous agent ecosystem with the Internet Computer’s smart contracts.

Participation and Technology

Q: What technologies will participants use? A: Participants will utilize Fetch.ai’s uAgent framework to build and deploy AI agents on Agentverse, integrating with the Internet Computer's decentralized infrastructure. Q: What are AI agents in this context? A: AI agents are designed to operate autonomously, evolving from tools into independent actors within the digital economy. Q: What are the competition tracks available? A: The five competition tracks are AI, Bitcoin DeFi, Real-World Assets (RWA), Fully On-Chain, and an Open Track.

Prizes and Evaluation

Q: What is the total prize pool for the hackathon? A: The hackathon features a $300,000 prize pool. Q: How will projects be evaluated? A: Projects will be evaluated based on their use of Fetch.ai's tools, integration with the Internet Computer, technical execution, and real-world application potential.

Developer Support and Benefits

Q: What kind of support will developers receive? A: Developers will receive mentorship from engineers at both Fetch.ai and Internet Computer, focusing on best practices for intelligent agent development, on-chain integration, and practical Web3 deployments. Q: What are the benefits of this hackathon for AI and Web3? A: The hackathon aims to reduce the complexity barrier for Web3 adoption by enabling AI agents to operate independently on decentralized infrastructure, thereby accelerating Web3 usage and acceptance.

Crypto Market AI's Take

This initiative by Fetch.ai and the Internet Computer is a significant development in the burgeoning field of on-chain AI. The integration of autonomous AI agents with decentralized cloud infrastructure points towards a future where complex AI tasks can be executed without reliance on centralized servers. This aligns with the broader trend of decentralization in Web3 and could pave the way for more robust and transparent AI-driven applications. For those interested in exploring the intersection of AI and cryptocurrency, our platform offers insights into AI-driven crypto trading tools and the latest in AI in finance.

More to Read:

• Fetch.ai's Vision for Autonomous AI Agents
• The Future of Decentralized AI
• Understanding Internet Computer's Smart Contracts