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

Fetch.ai and the Internet Computer have launched the NextGen Agents Hackathon, a Web3-focused event that aims to advance the development of AI agents operating directly on a decentralized cloud infrastructure [2]. The event, which starts on August 1st 2025, brings together the autonomous agent ecosystem of Fetch.ai with the Internet Computer’s “canister” smart contracts to enable the creation of AI-powered applications that run entirely on-chain, without relying on traditional cloud services [1].

Participants will use Fetch.ai’s uAgent framework to build and deploy their AI agents on Agentverse, an open agent marketplace, and integrate them with the Internet Computer’s decentralized infrastructure [2]. These agents are designed to operate autonomously, reflecting a broader trend in Web3 development where AI agents are emerging not just as tools but as independent actors in the digital economy [2].

The hackathon is the first initiative from Fetch.ai’s Innovation Lab in Indonesia and is part of the World Computer Hacker League (WCHL) 2025. Winning teams will gain direct entry into the WCHL Regional Round and access to a $300K prize pool. The competition spans five tracks: AI, Bitcoin DeFi, Real-World Assets (RWA), Fully On-Chain, and an Open Track [2]. Projects will be evaluated based on their use of Fetch.ai’s tools, integration with the Internet Computer, technical execution, and potential for real-world application [2].

The collaboration highlights the growing synergy between AI and blockchain, with developers gaining access to mentorship from both Fetch.ai and Internet Computer engineers. The focus is on best practices for intelligent agent development, on-chain integration, and practical Web3 deployments [1]. The event also emphasizes the importance of transparency, trust, and scalability in the development of AI agents, aligning with core principles of Web3 [2].

By enabling AI agents to operate independently on a decentralized infrastructure, the hackathon aims to address one of the key challenges in mainstream adoption—complexity. Unlike human users who often require onboarding experiences, AI agents interact through APIs and prioritize performance, making them ideal for seamless integration into decentralized platforms [2]. This shift could help drive usage and acceptance of Web3 technologies by reducing barriers to entry [2].

The NextGen Agents Hackathon represents a significant step toward a future where AI is more autonomous, transparent, and accountable. As AI agents take on more roles in areas such as identity verification and financial systems, the need for secure, decentralized environments becomes more critical [1]. Through this initiative, Fetch.ai and the Internet Computer are fostering innovation that could reshape the landscape of AI development and deployment [2].

Source:

[1] https://x.com/Fetch_ai/status/1950919766757052815

[2] https://mpost.io/fetch-ai-and-internet-computer-kick-off-nextgen-agents-hackathon-to-develop-ai-agents-on-decentralized-cloud/

[4] https://mpost.io/web3-meets-ai-agents-what-will-matter-in-the-next-3-years/