README.md

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# 🤖 Agents & MCP Hackathon - Winter 2025 🚀

![Gradio Agents & MCP Hackathon - Winter 25 - Banner](https://cdn-uploads.huggingface.co/production/uploads/60d2dc1007da9c17c72708f8/piIiwWWeO6RmTQftH1c0V.png)

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| 📅 Duration | 💰 Prize Pool | 🎯 Tracks | 👥 Team Size | 🌍 Location |
|-------------|---------------|-----------|--------------|-------------|
| **Nov 14-30, 2025**<br>(17 days, 3 weekends) | **$15,000+ USD Cash Prizes**<br>+ Free API Credits | **2 Main Tracks**<br>4 Categories | **Solo or Teams of 2-5** | **Global & Online** |

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**The MCP revolution continues.** The June 2025 version of Hackathon was a huge success with over 4200 registrations, 1 Millions+ free API credits for participants, and $15000+ awards in cash. Six months later, we are bringing you the next edition of this world event! When we launched this hackathon in June 2025, MCP was experimental. Six months later, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google have adopted it. The revolution we started is now mainstream—be part of the second wave.

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    👉 Register for the Hackathon
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> [!IMPORTANT]
> **To qualify for prizes, you MUST:**
> - ✅ Be a member of this organization (click "Request to join this org" above)
> - ✅ Submit your apps to this organization
> - ✅ Include appropriate track tags in your Space README
> - ✅ Include a link to your social media post about your project
> - ✅ Submit by **November 30, 2025, 11:59 PM UTC**

**Join our [Discord Community](https://discord.gg/YgswRqxQ) → Channel: `agents-mcp-hackathon-winter25🏆`** for latest information and active support during the hackathon.

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## 🚀 Quick Start (3 Easy Steps)

**1️⃣ Join & Register**  
→ [Click "Request to join this org"](#) (top right) + [Complete registration form](https://huggingface.co/spaces/ysharma/gradio-hackathon-registration-winter25)

**2️⃣ Pick Your Track**  
→ [Track 1: MCP Tools & Servers](#-track-1-mcp-tools--servers) or [Track 2: Agentic Applications](#-track-2-agentic-applications)

**3️⃣ Start Building (Nov 14)**  
→ [See submission examples](#-submission-guidelines) | [Join HF Discord for help](https://discord.gg/Qe3jMKVczR) | [Access resources](#-resources--getting-started)

---

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## 🌟 Welcome to Agents & MCP Hackathon: Winter 2025

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Join us for the definitive AI agents and Model Context Protocol (MCP) development event—now bigger, better, and more accessible than ever. Build cutting-edge agentic applications powered by Gradio 6, leverage vibe coding to accelerate development, and compete for some of the most amazing 🤑cash prizes and credits.

### Why Participate?

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| 🎓 **Learn & Master** | 🏆 **Win Big** | 🤝 **Network** | 🚀 **Build & Ship** |
|----------|--------|------------|----------|
| Latest AI tech stack<br>MCP Protocol<br>Gradio 6 features | $15K+ in cash prizes<br>Free API credits<br>Sponsor rewards | 1000s of developers<br>Industry experts<br>Large AI community | Production-ready apps<br>Portfolio projects<br>Real-world impact |

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### What's New This Year

- **Powered by Gradio 6** with enhanced mobile capabilities and visual editing
- **3 full weekends** to build (Nov 14 - Nov 30)
- **Three new categories:** Productivity, Multimodal, and Games 
- **Vibe coding friendly** — We welcome vibe-coding nd support the movement with our very own [gradio vibe editor](https://www.gradio.app/guides/developing-faster-with-reload-mode#vibe-mode)
- **Social amplification** — share your work, gain visibility
- **FREE API Credits** coming soon from major AI Inference providers

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## 💰 Why MCP Matters More Than Ever

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Since our June'25 hackathon, MCP has gone from experimental to mainstream:

- ✨ **OpenAI officially adopted MCP**, later announced Apps SDK built on top of it ([DevDay 2025](https://openai.com/index/introducing-apps-in-chatgpt/))
- 🪟 **Microsoft integrated MCP into Windows 11** ([Build 2025](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2025/05/19/securing-the-model-context-protocol-building-a-safer-agentic-future-on-windows/))
- 🧠 **Google DeepMind joined the ecosystem** ([Demis Hassabis's tweet](https://x.com/demishassabis/status/1910107859041271977))

**MCP is no longer experimental—it's the foundation of modern agentic AI.** This is your opportunity to build on the protocol that's reshaping how AI systems connect to the world.

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## 🛠️ Hackathon Tracks

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<table>
<tr>
<td width="50%" valign="top">

### 🔧 Track 1: MCP Tools & Servers

Build MCP servers using Gradio 6 that extend LLM capabilities. [Any Gradio app can be an MCP server](https://huggingface.co/blog/gradio-mcp)—create tools for data analysis, API integrations, specialized workflows, or novel capabilities that make AI agents more powerful.

**What to Build:**
- MCP servers
- Tool integrations
- Protocol extensions
- Multi-tool systems

**Track Tag:** `"mcp-server-track"`

**Example Submissions:**
- [See example](https://huggingface.co/spaces/ysharma/sample1-hackathon-space-submission/blob/main/README.md)

**💰 Prize Pool:**
- 🥇 **First Place:** $1,500 USD
- 🥈 **Second Place:** $500 USD

</td>
<td width="50%" valign="top">

### 🤖 Track 2: Agentic Applications

Create complete AI agent applications that showcase autonomous reasoning, planning, and execution. Use MCP tools, vibe coding, or traditional development—whatever brings your agent vision to life.

**Three Categories:**
1. **Productivity/Workflow Automation** - Tag: `"agent-app-track-productivity"`
2. **Multimodal Applications** - Tag: `"agent-app-track-multimodal"`
3. **Gaming or Other Applications** - Tags: `"agent-app-track-game"` or `"agent-app-track-other"`

**Example Submissions:**
- [Productivity](https://huggingface.co/spaces/ysharma/sample2-hackathon-space-submission/blob/main/README.md) | [Multimodal](https://huggingface.co/spaces/ysharma/sample3-hackathon-space-submission/blob/main/README.md) | [Gaming](https://huggingface.co/spaces/ysharma/sample5-hackathon-space-submission/blob/main/README.md) | [Other](https://huggingface.co/spaces/ysharma/sample6-hackathon-space-submission/blob/main/README.md)

**💰 Prize Pool (Per Category):**
- 🥇 **First Place:** $2,500 USD
- 🥈 **Second Place:** $1,000 USD
- 🥉 **Third Place:** $500 USD

</td>
</tr>
</table>

> [!TIP]
> **You can submit the same app to multiple tracks!** ([See example](https://huggingface.co/spaces/ysharma/sample4-hackathon-space-submission/blob/main/README.md))  
> **You can submit multiple entries!** Build as many projects as you want.

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## 🎁 Prize Structure

**Total Prize Pool: $15,000+ USD + API Credits + Sponsor Bonuses**

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### 🏆 Main Track Prizes

**MCP Track:**
- 🥇 First Place: **$1,500 USD**
- 🥈 Second Place: **$500 USD**

**Agent Track** (3 prizes per category × 3 categories):
- 🥇 First Place: **$2,500 USD** (×3 categories)
- 🥈 Second Place: **$1,000 USD** (×3 categories)
- 🥉 Third Place: **$500 USD** (×3 categories)

### ⭐ Special Awards

- 🌟 **Community Choice Award:** $1,000 USD (most social engagement)
- 🏢 **Sponsor Choice Awards:** TBA (announced with sponsors)
- 🤗 **Hugging Face Merch:** For most engaging participants and community builders

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## 💸 Sponsors & Credits

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**API & Compute Credits** (Details announced soon):
- We are securing API credits for participants from major AI providers
- Access to latest and strongest LLMs from major providers

Announcements rolling out weekly. Follow [@Gradio](https://x.com/Gradio) for the latest updates.

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## 🗓️ Timeline

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### 📅 Pre-Hackathon Phase
**October 13 - November 13**
- Sponsor announcements rolling out
- Educational content releases
- Registration opens
- Community building

### 🔨 Hackathon Period
- **November 14 (Friday, 12:00 AM UTC)** - 🚀 Hackathon opens!
- **November 14/15** - 📺 Kickoff stream on YouTube (time TBA)
- **November 17-28** - 💬 Office hours with Gradio team and sponsors
- **November 30 (Saturday, 11:59 PM UTC)** - ⏰ Final submissions due

### 🏅 Post-Hackathon Phase
- **December 1-14** - 👨‍⚖️ Judging period
- **December 15** - 🎉 Winners announcement and showcase

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## 📝 Submission Guidelines

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### All Tracks - General Requirements

1. **Publish your project** as a Hugging Face Space in this organization
2. **Add the appropriate track tag** to your Space `README.md`:
   - `"mcp-server-track"` for Track 1
   - `"agent-app-track-productivity"`, `"agent-app-track-multimodal"`, or `"agent-app-track-game"` for Track 2
3. **Include a link to your social media post** (X, LinkedIn, etc.) about your project
4. **Include a demo video** (1-5 minutes) showing your project in action. For example, look at some of the submissions from the Hackathon in June: 
   - [Example 1](https://huggingface.co/spaces/Agents-MCP-Hackathon/Sentinel_One/blob/main/README.md#welcome-to-our-submission-for-the-hugging-face-genai-agents--mcp-hackathonthis-project-showcases-a-multi-agent-system-powered-by-gradio-and-smolagents-designed-to-monitor-process-and-analyze-environmental-data-to-assess-climate-related-risks-and-provide-recommendations-link-to-demo--httpsyoutubealk_husrl4w)
   - [Example 2](https://huggingface.co/spaces/Agents-MCP-Hackathon/cs-agent/blob/main/README.md#%F0%9F%93%B9-preview)
   - [Example 3](https://huggingface.co/spaces/Agents-MCP-Hackathon/geocalc-mcp/blob/main/README.md#%F0%9F%8E%A5-demo-video)
5. **Original work only** - All work must be created during the hackathon period (Nov 14-30)

### Track-Specific Requirements

**🔧 Track 1: MCP Tools & Servers**
- Must be a functioning MCP server built with Gradio
- Include video showing integration with an MCP client (Claude Desktop, Cursor, etc.)
- Document the tool's purpose, capabilities, and usage

**🤖 Track 2: Agentic Applications**
- Must demonstrate autonomous agent behavior (planning, reasoning, execution)
- Can use MCP tools, custom tools, or external APIs
- **Bonus points** for showcasing Context Engineering using Gradio
  - Learn more: [Anthropic](https://www.anthropic.com/engineering/effective-context-engineering-for-ai-agents) | [LangChain](https://blog.langchain.com/context-engineering-for-agents/) | [dbreunig](https://www.dbreunig.com/2025/07/24/why-the-term-context-engineering-matters.html)
- Show clear user value and practical application

---

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## 🏅 Judging Criteria

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Projects will be evaluated on:
- **Submissions should be complete** - HF Space + Social media post + Documentation in the Space readme + Demo Video recording of your Space
- **Design/Polished UI-UX** - How polished, intuitive, and easy-to-use the app is?
- **Functionality** - To what extent did the app uses the relevant Gradio functionalities (Gradio 6, MCPs, Agentic Chatbots etc)?
- **Creativity** - How innovative or original is the project idea and implementation?
- **Documentation** - How well communicated is the implementation in the README and/or demo video?
- **Real-world impact** - How much potential does the project have for real-world usefulness or application?

**Community Choice Award** based on:
- Social media engagement (likes, shares, comments)
- Space interactions (_Discussions_ tab) on Hugging Face
- Discord community engagement

---

## 💻 Resources & Getting Started

<details>
<summary><b>📚 Click to see Technical Documentation</b></summary>

### Official Documentation
- [Getting Started with MCP in Gradio](https://huggingface.co/blog/gradio-mcp)
- [Gradio 6 Documentation](https://www.gradio.app/)
- [Building Mobile-First AI Apps](https://github.com/gradio-app/gradio-mobile-app)
- [Custom Components Guide](https://www.gradio.app/guides/custom-components-in-five-minutes)
- [Vibe Coding with Gradio](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dis1BwDzmYs)
- [Agent Development Patterns](https://www.gradio.app/guides/agents-and-tool-usage)

### Educational Content
- **Video Tutorials:** Coming soon
- **Blog Posts / Guides:** Case Studies from June Hackathon
- **Office Hours:** Live sessions with experts (schedule announced soon)

</details>

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## ❓ Frequently Asked Questions

<details>
<summary><b>❓ I'm new to MCP. Can I still participate?</b></summary>

Absolutely! We provide comprehensive tutorials on MCP and will have office hours throughout to support participants. Track 2 doesn't necessarily require MCP knowledge.
</details>

<details>
<summary><b>🛠️ Can I use vibe coding tools like Bolt, Lovable, or Cursor?</b></summary>

Yes! Use any tools that help you build. We celebrate results, not just process.
</details>

<details>
<summary><b>🔨 Do I need to build everything from scratch?</b></summary>

No. You can use existing libraries, frameworks, and tools. Just ensure your core contribution is original and created during the hackathon.
</details>

<details>
<summary><b>👥 Can I participate solo or do I need a team?</b></summary>

Both! Participate individually or in teams of 2-5 members.
</details>

<details>
<summary><b>🔄 What if I participated in the June hackathon?</b></summary>

Welcome back! Build something new or significantly evolve your previous project. Previous winners are eligible.
</details>

<details>
<summary><b>💻 Is there a specific programming language requirement?</b></summary>

Gradio is Python-based, but you can integrate other languages/services as needed.
</details>

<details>
<summary><b>❓ How do I get help during the hackathon?</b></summary>

Discord support, office hours, documentation, and community help available throughout.
</details>

<details>
<summary><b>🎯 Can I submit to multiple tracks?</b></summary>

Yes! Submit the same project to multiple tracks or create multiple separate projects.
</details>

<details>
<summary><b>📱 What counts as "mobile-first"?</b></summary>

Responsive design, touch optimization, mobile-appropriate interactions. Doesn't need to be a native app—PWAs and responsive web apps qualify.
</details>

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## 👥 Connect & Community

- **💬 Discord:** [Join #agents-mcp-hackathon-winter25🏆](https://discord.gg/YgswRqxQ)
- **🐦 Twitter/X:** [@Gradio](https://x.com/gradio)
- **💼 LinkedIn:** [Gradio](https://www.linkedin.com/company/gradio/)

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## ⚖️ Policies & Rules

<details>
<summary><b>📋 Click to see Policies & Guidelines</b></summary>

By participating, you agree to:
- [Code of Conduct](https://huggingface.co/code-of-conduct)
- [Submission Guidelines](#submission-guidelines)
- [Intellectual Property Policy](https://huggingface.co/content-policy)

### Important Rules:
- ✅ All submissions must be original work
- ✅ Projects must be created between November 14-30, 2025
- ✅ Open source licenses encouraged (MIT, Apache 2.0, etc.)
- ✅ Participants retain IP rights to their work
- ✅ By submitting, you grant Hugging Face/Gradio right to showcase your work

</details>

---

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## 🚀 From June to November: The Evolution

**June 2025:** 4,200+ registrations | ~650 submissions | $1M+ in API/GPU Credits

**November 2025:** Targeting trippling the registrations | 3x the prizes | Establishing Gradio agents-mcp hackathon as the industry-standard definitive event

Join the community that launched the MCP developer movement. Build the future of agentic AI.

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**📅 Registration open**  
**🔨 Building starts: November 14, 2025**  
**⏰ Submissions close: November 30, 2025**

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    🎯 REGISTER NOW & START BUILDING
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*Questions? Reach out in [Discord](https://discord.gg/Qe3jMKVczR) or email: gradio-team@huggingface.co*

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