Handbook
Generative UI Global Hackathon Handbook
Agentic Interfaces — build UIs that agents render at runtime.
Welcome to the Generative UI Global Hackathon.
Across AI Tinkerers cities worldwide, engineers are locking in for six focused hours building the next generation of AI interfaces. One shared theme. One submission platform. One deadline.
This guide covers the structure, expectations, and how to get the most out of the day.
Goals
- Ship a working generative UI prototype by 6 PM.
- Learn at least one of the core protocols (A2UI, AG-UI, MCP Apps) hands-on.
- Push past the chat bubble — build something that could not have been built as a plain chatbot.
- Trade patterns with other engineers tackling the same frontier problem.
- Submit to the global pool and compete with builders across the world.
This is about momentum. Shipping beats polish.
What This Is (And What It Isn’t)
This is:
- A focused, six-hour build session.
- A real hackathon with judging, prizes, and a global winner pool.
- A curated room of engineers who write code.
- A chance to work directly with the protocols our sponsor companies are shipping right now.
This is not:
- A pitch event.
- A panel discussion.
- A networking mixer for recruiters.
- A place to wrap a chatbot in a new skin.
If your idea works as a chatbot, it does not belong here.
Theme — Agentic Interfaces
Your mission: build an AI application where the agent generates interactive UI at runtime.
Pick a track. Or remix them.
- Kill the Dashboard — Agents generate the exact visualization, form, or control surface a user needs in the moment. No pre-built pages.
- The Copilot That Ships — Copilots that don’t just recommend — they render interactive UI for users to confirm, tweak, and execute inline.
- Agent App Store — MCP-powered apps where agents discover, compose, and present multi-tool experiences through generated UI.
- No Designer, No Problem — Apps where the entire user-facing interface is generated at runtime. The agent is the frontend. (Moonshot.)
The only question that matters:
Would this have been impossible with a chat interface?
Getting Started
Bring:
- Laptop + charger
- API keys you already have (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google — sponsor credits distributed at check-in)
- A project idea — or come with none and form a team on the spot
- Headphones (optional but helpful)
You may:
- Work solo or in teams of up to 4
- Form a team organically during the kickoff
- Use starter kits from CopilotKit (
docs.copilotkit.ai) and A2UI
- Ask organizers or mentors for help when stuck
Starter kits, boilerplate, and quickstart guides will be shared in the portal Message Center at 12:30 PM.
Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 12:00 – 12:30 PM | Doors open — check-in, lunch, team formation |
| 12:30 – 1:00 PM | Global kickoff video |
| 1:00 – 5:00 PM | Build session |
| 5:00 – 5:45 PM | Show and tell (2–3 min demos, working code only) |
| 5:45 – 6:00 PM | Submit to the global platform |
| 6:00 PM | Wrap |
Show and tell rules:
- Keep it to 2–3 minutes.
- Show working code — no slide decks.
- One person demos, whole team can answer questions.
Global results announced Friday, May 15.
Submission
All projects submit through the global hackathon portal by 6:00 PM local.
A valid submission includes:
- Project name
- One-sentence pitch
- Short description of what you built and why it’s generative UI (not a chatbot in a trench coat)
- Link to public GitHub repo
- Link to 2–3 minute demo video (Loom, YouTube, or direct upload)
- List of protocols used (A2UI, AG-UI, CopilotKit, MCP Apps, other)
- Team member names + roles
Submissions are reviewed globally after the event. Results announced Friday, May 15.
Rules
- In-person attendance required at one of the participating cities.
- Teams up to 4. Solo teams welcome.
- You own all IP created during the event.
- Pre-existing code is allowed — be transparent about what was built during the six hours. Judges weigh this.
- Open-source tools, public APIs, and sponsor technologies are all fair game.
- No recruiting pitches, product selling, or sponsor talks from the floor.
- Respect the focused nature of the event.
Code of Conduct
We maintain a welcoming, inclusive, builder-first environment across every participating city.
Please:
- Treat others with respect and professionalism.
- Share knowledge generously.
- Help unblock others when you can.
- Avoid harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior.
- Follow venue guidelines and organizer instructions.
Violations may result in removal from the event and disqualification of your submission.
If you experience or witness a violation, notify a local organizer immediately or email [email protected].
Media & Photography
Photos and short video clips may be captured during the event for community recap, newsletter features, and global sharing across AI Tinkerers channels.
By attending, you consent to appear in event media.
If you want a specific photo or clip removed, contact your local organizer or email [email protected] after the event.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t about making a prettier chatbot.
It’s about proving that AI interfaces can be as rich, specific, and interactive as anything designed by hand — except generated at runtime by the agent itself.
Six hours. Worldwide. One frontier.
See you May 9.
Let’s build.