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

Fetch.ai and Internet Computer have launched the NextGen Agents Hackathon, a Web3-focused event aimed at advancing the development of AI agents that operate directly on decentralized cloud infrastructure. The hackathon begins on August 1, 2025, and merges Fetch.ai’s autonomous agent ecosystem with Internet Computer’s “canister” smart contracts to enable AI-powered applications that run entirely on-chain, eliminating reliance 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 to independent actors within the digital economy. This hackathon is the inaugural initiative from Fetch.ai’s Innovation Lab in Indonesia and is part of the World Computer Hacker League (WCHL) 2025. Winning teams will receive direct entry into the WCHL Regional Round and compete for a prize pool of $300,000.

Competition Tracks and Evaluation

The competition features five tracks:

• AI
• Bitcoin DeFi
• Real-World Assets (RWA)
• Fully On-Chain
• Open Track
Projects will be judged based on:
• Effective use of Fetch.ai’s tools
• Integration with the Internet Computer
• Technical execution
• Real-world application potential

Collaboration and Mentorship

The partnership between Fetch.ai and Internet Computer highlights the increasing synergy between AI and blockchain technologies. Developers will have access to mentorship from engineers of both organizations, focusing on best practices for intelligent agent development, on-chain integration, and practical Web3 deployments. The event emphasizes transparency, trust, and scalability in AI agent development, aligning with the core principles of Web3.

Driving Web3 Adoption Through Autonomous AI Agents

By enabling AI agents to function independently on decentralized infrastructure, the hackathon addresses a key challenge in mainstream Web3 adoption: complexity. Unlike human users who require onboarding, AI agents interact through APIs and prioritize performance, making them ideal for seamless integration into decentralized platforms. This approach aims to reduce barriers to entry and accelerate the usage and acceptance of Web3 technologies.

Future Implications

The NextGen Agents Hackathon marks a significant step toward a future where AI agents are more autonomous, transparent, and accountable. As AI agents increasingly take on roles in identity verification and financial systems, the need for secure, decentralized environments becomes critical. Through this initiative, Fetch.ai and Internet Computer are fostering innovation that could reshape AI development and deployment within decentralized ecosystems.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the primary goal of the NextGen Agents Hackathon?

The primary goal is to advance the development of AI agents that operate directly on decentralized cloud infrastructure by merging Fetch.ai's agent ecosystem with Internet Computer's smart contracts.

What tools will participants use in the hackathon?

Participants will utilize Fetch.ai’s uAgent framework to build and deploy AI agents on Agentverse.

What is Agentverse?

Agentverse is an open agent marketplace where participants will deploy their AI agents.

What is the prize pool for the hackathon?

The prize pool is $300,000.

What are the competition tracks?

The competition tracks include AI, Bitcoin DeFi, Real-World Assets (RWA), Fully On-Chain, and an Open Track.

What criteria will projects be judged on?

Projects will be judged on the effective use of Fetch.ai's tools, integration with the Internet Computer, technical execution, and real-world application potential.

What is the significance of AI agents operating on decentralized infrastructure?

It allows AI agents to function autonomously and independently, reducing reliance on traditional cloud services and potentially lowering barriers to Web3 adoption due to their API-driven interaction and performance focus.

What is the role of Internet Computer's "canister" smart contracts?

Canisters are used to enable AI-powered applications to run entirely on-chain, contributing to the decentralized nature of the developed solutions.

Crypto Market AI's Take

The NextGen Agents Hackathon signifies a crucial convergence of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, a trend we actively explore on our platform. By leveraging decentralized infrastructure for AI agents, this initiative addresses key challenges in scalability and data privacy. Our focus on AI-powered trading bots and AI analysts directly aligns with the advancements this hackathon aims to foster, enabling more autonomous and efficient decentralized applications. This partnership between Fetch.ai and Internet Computer is a testament to the growing potential of on-chain AI and its implications for the future of Web3.

More to Read:

• AI Agents: Capabilities, Risks, and Growing Role
• AI-Driven Crypto Trading Tools Reshape Market Strategies in 2025
• Fetch.ai Partners with BMW for Autonomous Driving AI
• What is the Internet Computer? A Comprehensive Guide

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Source: Originally published at https://www.ainvest.com/news/fetch-ai-internet-computer-launch-nextgen-agents-hackathon-chain-ai-development-2508/ on August 2, 2025.