Alibaba Cloud Agentic AI Competition 2026

Build the Next Generation of AI Agents with Qwen, WAN & Model Studio

About the Competition


Join the global challenge to create innovative AI agents




What is Agentic AI?


Agentic AI represents the next evolution in artificial intelligence - autonomous systems that can perceive, reason, act, and learn to accomplish complex tasks without constant human intervention.


This competition challenges developers worldwide to build intelligent agents using Alibaba Cloud's cutting-edge technologies including Qwen3.5, Model Studio, and OpenClaw at Alibaba Cloud.



Innovate
Turn ideas into AI agents.
Network and Collaborate
Grow your skills, project, and career, alongside the fellow builders.
Build and Win
Code your agent, claim your prize, and spotlight your innovation.

Prizes and Benefits

The winners will receive a total of USD 8,000 in prizes, including cash, merchandise and Alibaba Cloud credits

1st Prize
USD 1,500 (Cash)
$1,000 USD Alibaba Cloud Credits
Trophy and Certificate
Special Souvenirs & Global Exposure
2nd Prize
USD 1,000 (Cash)
$800 USD Alibaba Cloud Credits
Trophy and Certificate
Special Souvenirs & Global Exposure
3rd Prize
USD 750 (Cash)
$500 USD Alibaba Cloud Credits
Trophy and Certificate
Special Souvenirs & Global Exposure

Schedule

  • 27 Feb
    Registration Starts
  • 10 March
    Kickoff Webinar
  • 30 March
    23:59 Deadline for project submission
  • 1-15 April
    Judging Period
  • 17 April
    Finalists & Winners Announced

How to Join?

Please follow the steps below to register for the Challenge.

Create an Alibaba Cloud Account

A valid Alibaba Cloud account is required to activate required Alibaba Cloud products, and to receive Alibaba Cloud credits for the hackathon.

Register for the Challenge

Please make sure you have complate the registration form with the Alibaba Cloud you will use for the challenge before the closing date.

Join the Briefing

We will have briefing session (online) for all the participants.

Coding and Submission

Complete your project and submit your presentation on time

Enrollment Rules and FAQ:
  • Participants must have signed up for an Alibaba Cloud account to register for the challenge. And in order to activate Alibaba Cloud services, participants must add a payment method (during the challenge, we will provide some credits for you to use our services)
  • Please register for the challenge with the Alibaba Cloud account you will use in the challenge. Once your registration approved, you will receive Alibaba Cloud credits to start create your AI Agent.
  • For this challenge, it's individual participation.
  • A qualified submission must use required Alibaba Cloud AI services and deployed in Alibaba Cloud. Any violation of rules can lead to disqualification.
  • Members of Alibaba Group can participate in the contest, but are excluded from the prizes.

Task & Judging Criteria

Key Task
Build autonomous or multi-agent AI solutions that solve real-world challenges using Alibaba Cloud services (Model Studio, Simple Application Server (SAS), OpenClaw at Alibaba Cloud, Qwen & WAN model, etc.). Agents should demonstrate:
- Reasoning & Planning: Break down tasks, set goals, adapt to feedback
- Tool Use & Orchestration: Call APIs, query databases, trigger workflows
- Memory & Context: Retain state, learn from interactions, personalize responses
- Collaboration: Multi-agent coordination where applicable

Build an AI Agentic Agent. With one of these focus problem areas:
🛒 Smart Commerce & Retail
💼 Personal Productivity & Work
🎨 Creative & Content Studio
🔐 Security & Digital Safety

Utilize Alibaba Cloud Services & AI Model

Judging Criteria
All the projects submitted will be reviewed by judges with the criteria below.

Agentic Innovation

    How autonomously does the agent reason, plan, and adapt? Is the agent design novel (e.g., memory architecture, tool selection, multi-agent handoff)?

Technical Implementation

    Quality of AI/agent pipeline on Alibaba Cloud. Is it scalable, observable, and well-architected?

Impact & Feasibility

    Clear problem-solution fit. Potential for social good or commercial scale. Defined user journey and measurable outcomes.

Pitching Video & Demo

    Clarity of agent behavior demo (show, don't just tell). Team articulates agent's decision loop, fallbacks, and value prop concisely.

  • FAQ
  • Who can participate in the competition?

    The competition is open to developers, students, and professionals worldwide. Individual Participation.

  • Do I need prior experience with Alibaba Cloud?

    No prior experience is required! We provide comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and webinars to help you get started with Qwen models and Model Studio. Cloud credits are provided to all approved participants.

  • What technologies can we use?

    Participants should primarily use Alibaba Cloud technologies including Qwen3.5, Qwen-VL, Wan video models, Model Studio, and OpenClaw at Alibaba Cloud Technology.

  • How are submissions evaluated?

    Submissions are judged on: Innovation (30%), Technical Excellence (30%), Business Impact (25%), and Presentation (15%).

  • Is there a registration fee?

    Yes, the registration is completely free! All participants receive cloud credits, API access, and resources to build their AI agents at no cost.

  • Who can participate in the competition?

    The competition is open to developers, students, and professionals worldwide. Individual Participation.

  • Do I need prior experience with Alibaba Cloud?

    No prior experience is required! We provide comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and webinars to help you get started with Qwen models and Model Studio. Cloud credits are provided to all approved participants.

  • What technologies can we use?

    Participants should primarily use Alibaba Cloud technologies including Qwen3.5, Qwen-VL, Wan video models, Model Studio, and OpenClaw at Alibaba Cloud Technology.

  • How are submissions evaluated?

    Submissions are judged on: Innovation (30%), Technical Excellence (30%), Business Impact (25%), and Presentation (15%).

  • Is there a registration fee?

    Yes, the registration is completely free! All participants receive cloud credits, API access, and resources to build their AI agents at no cost.

  • Show More

Learning Resources

phone Contact Us
Hi, I'm Alibaba Cloud AI Assistant!
I can help with questions and solutions.