Overview
The Global AI Hackathon Series with Qwen Cloud invites professional developers, AI/ML engineers, and builders to design and ship sophisticated multi-agent systems, complex AI workflows, and production-grade applications using Qwen and other flagship models available on the Qwen Cloud infrastructure. This online event emphasizes architectural depth, engineering excellence, and practical deployment. Participants choose from five tracks and compete for a total of over 70,000 USD in cash and cloud credits. The challenge is hosted in collaboration with Devpost and Qwen Cloud, with opportunities to be featured on the Qwen Cloud blog and potentially join the AI Catalyst program.
Tracks
The hackathon features five tracks designed to showcase diverse capabilities:
- Track 1 MemoryAgent: build an agent with persistent memory that accumulates experience and remembers user preferences across multi-turn interactions.
- Track 2 AI Showrunner: automate an entire short drama creation pipeline including scriptwriting, storyboarding, video generation, and editing with high token allowances.
- Track 3 Agent Society: design a multi-agent collaboration system where agents divide tasks, negotiate, and achieve outcomes more efficiently than a single agent.
- Track 4 Autopilot Agent: end-to-end automation of real-world business workflows, with production readiness and human-in-the-loop points.
- Track 5 EdgeAgent: develop Qwen-powered devices that operate with edge sensing and cloud orchestration while handling privacy and offline scenarios.
What to Submit
Participants must provide a public code repository containing all source code, assets, and instructions needed to run the project. The submission should include Proof of Alibaba Cloud deployment (with a link to evidence in the repository), an Architecture Diagram showing system components, and a video demonstration (about 3 minutes) uploaded to YouTube, Vimeo, or similar. Additionally, a descriptive text, track identification, and optional blog or social posts demonstrating the build with Qwen Cloud can boost eligibility for related prizes.
Prizes and Judging
Prizes total over USD 70,000 plus cloud credits, blog features, swag, and ambassador opportunities. Prizes are awarded per track, and each prize package typically includes cash, cloud credits, and promotional benefits. Judging criteria emphasize Technical Depth and Engineering, Innovation and AI Creativity, Real World Value and Impact, and Presentation and Documentation. A detailed ruleset governs eligibility, submissions, and evaluation.
Get Started
To participate, register on Devpost, sign up for Qwen Cloud, and select a track. The get started steps include joining the Qwen Cloud Discord, reviewing the sample projects and reference architecture in the Resources, and beginning development with a plan for a first run within about 30 minutes. The challenge page also provides guidance on how to deploy to Alibaba Cloud as part of proving backend readiness and scalability.
Schedule and Deadlines
The event runs online with a deadline for final submissions several weeks after kickoff. Attendees should monitor the schedule and deadlines on the Devpost challenge page for the most current dates. The platform highlights that deadlines, schedules, and viewable dates can be accessed through the challenge’s schedule view and add-to-calendar features.
Participation and Support
The event is openly accessible to developers worldwide, with support channels through the Devpost page and Qwen Cloud resources. FAQs and rules are provided to clarify eligibility, submission requirements, and how to maximize impact through demonstrations, architecture diagrams, and accompanying documentation. Attendees can expect a rich program of guides, tutorials, and networking opportunities designed to help teams collaborate effectively and showcase their production-ready AI agents.
