ZetaChain and Google Cloud Launch AI-Powered Buildathon for Cross-Chain Innovation

ZetaChain and Google Cloud have announced a collaborative AI-Powered Universal App Buildathon, aiming to drive innovation in the Web3 space by leveraging Google’s Gemini 2.5 series of AI models and ZetaChain’s Universal Blockchain. The global event, hosted in partnership with DoraHacks, runs from August 2 to August 24, 2025, and invites developers to build next-generation applications that integrate AI with blockchain capabilities across multiple chains, including Bitcoin and Ethereum [1].

The Buildathon features a $9,000 prize pool and offers participants $1,000 in Google Cloud credits, along with opportunities for mentorship and long-term support within the ZetaChain ecosystem [1]. Developers can join the initiative via the DoraHacks platform. This event builds on the existing collaboration between ZetaChain and Google Cloud, following a recent AI-powered crypto startup pitch competition held at Google’s San Francisco office [1].

A key focus of the Buildathon is the integration of Gemini 2.5 with ZetaChain’s infrastructure. Gemini 2.5 introduces advanced features such as function calling and code understanding, enabling developers to create AI agents capable of interpreting natural language and executing blockchain-based actions based on user input [1]. ZetaChain provides the Layer 1 environment necessary to deploy these agents on-chain and across chains, facilitating seamless, cross-chain operations without the need for duplicate deployments [1].

ZetaChain’s Universal Apps allow developers to write a single smart contract that can interact with multiple blockchains, a unique capability that no other platform natively supports [1]. When combined with Gemini 2.5, developers can create AI agents that use natural language processing and reasoning to trigger smart contract actions from a unified application [1]. For example, users could develop an AI wallet assistant that listens to voice or chat input, checks holdings across chains, and initiates transactions without switching platforms [1].

Denis Fadeev, Developer Relations Lead at ZetaChain, highlighted the potential of these agents to interpret complex user requests such as “Move my native BTC to earn yield in ETH,” while ZetaChain provides the on-chain infrastructure to make such actions feasible [1]. Developers can access the ZetaChain testnet faucet hosted on Google Cloud to acquire ZETA testnet tokens and begin prototyping their ideas [1].

The Buildathon presents a range of innovative project ideas at the intersection of AI and crypto, including autonomous cross-chain agents, intent-based wallets, AI dashboards for multichain data, smart auto-responders for decentralized applications, and AI-driven tokenized outputs that execute decisions based on real-time blockchain events [1]. Developers are encouraged to explore the ZetaChain developer documentation for guidance on building AI-powered Web3 agents.

ZetaChain, based in Silicon Valley, has actively engaged with local developer communities, including through events at House of Web3, Science of Blockchain Week, and partnerships with academic institutions like UC Berkeley [1]. The company aims to foster the next generation of blockchain innovation, especially as it intersects with AI technologies.

ZetaChain is positioned as the first Universal Blockchain with native access to major networks, offering a unified execution environment for developers to build cross-chain applications [1]. Its Universal EVM enables a fluid crypto ecosystem from a single platform, streamlining user experience and liquidity.

Users can follow ZetaChain on social media platforms such as Twitter, Discord, and Telegram, while developers seeking partnership opportunities can contact the company via partnerships@zetachain.com [1].

Google Cloud, a key partner in the initiative, continues to expand its AI and infrastructure offerings, providing tools that empower developers and enterprises to build scalable, intelligent applications [1]. With its AI stack, custom-built chips, and generative models, Google Cloud supports organizations in more than 200 countries and territories [1].

Source: [1] ZetaChain X Google Cloud Announce AI-Powered Universal App Buildathon (https://chainwire.org/2025/08/04/zetachain-x-google-cloud-announce-ai-powered-universal-app-buildathon/)