Source URL: https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/training-certifications/join-the-gke-turns-10-hackathon/
Source: Cloud Blog
Title: Calling all devs: Join the GKE Turns 10 Hackathon and build with agentic AI
Feedly Summary: For ten years, Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) has been at the forefront of innovation, powering everything from microservices to cloud-native AI and edge computing. To honor this special birthday, we’re challenging you to catapult your microservices into the future with cutting-edge agentic AI. Are you ready to celebrate?
Build AI Agents on GKE in the GKE Turns 10 Hackathon
Why join?
Hands-on learning with GKE: This is your shot to build the next evolution of applications by integrating agentic AI capabilities on GKE. We have everything you need to get started: our microservice applications, example agents on GitHub, documentation, quickstarts, tutorials, and a webinar hosted by our experts.
Showcase your skills: You’ll have the opportunity to elevate a sample microservices application into a unique use case. Feel free to get creative with non-traditional use cases and utilize Agent Development Kit (ADK), Model Context Protocol (MCP), and the Agent2Agent (A2A) protocol for extra powerful functionality!
Think you have what it takes to win? Build an app to showcase your agents and you could potentially win:
Overall grand prize: $15,000 in USD, $3,000 in Google Cloud Credits for use with a Cloud Billing Account, A chance to win maximum of two (2) KubeCon North America conference passes in Atlanta, Georgia (November 10-13, 2025), a 1 year, no-cost Google Developer Program Premium subscription, guest interview on the Kubernetes Podcast, video feature with the GKE team, virtual coffee with a Google team member, and social promo
Regional winners: $8,000 in USD, $1,000 in Google Cloud Credits for use with a Cloud Billing Account, video feature with the GKE team on a Google Cloud social media channel, virtual coffee with a Google team member, and social promo
Honorable mentions: $1000 in USD and $500 in Google Cloud Credits for use with a Cloud Billing Account
Unleash the power of agentic AI on GKE
GKE is built on open-source Kubernetes, but is also tightly integrated with the Google Cloud ecosystem. This makes it easy to get started with a simple application, while having the control you need for more complex application orchestration and management.
When you join the GKE Turns 10 Hackathon, your mission is to take pre-existing microservice applications (either Bank of Anthos or Online Boutique) and then integrate cutting-edge agentic AI capabilities. The goal is not to modify the core application code directly, but instead build new components that interact with its established APIs! Here is some inspiration:
Optimize important processes: Add a sophisticated AI chatbot to the Online Boutique that can query inventory, provide personalized product recommendations, or even check a user’s financial balance via an integrated Bank of Anthos API.
Streamline maintenance and mitigation: Develop an agent that intelligently monitors microservice performance on GKE, suggests troubleshooting steps, and even automates remediation.
Crucial note: Your project must be built using GKE and Google AI models such as Gemini, focusing on how the agents interact with your chosen microservice application. As long as GKE is the foundation, feel free to enhance your project by integrating other Google Cloud technologies!
Ready to start building?
Head over to our hackathon website and watch our webinar to learn more, review the rules, and register.
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text announces a hackathon celebrating the 10th anniversary of Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE), encouraging participants to integrate agentic AI capabilities into microservices applications. It offers incentives for innovative submissions while emphasizing the importance of leveraging GKE and other Google Cloud technologies.
Detailed Description: The announcement revolves around the GKE Turns 10 Hackathon, aimed at promoting hands-on learning and showcasing the potential of integrating agentic AI with microservices. Here are the major points covered in the text:
– **Event Context**:
– Celebrates 10 years of GKE, highlighting its role in cloud-native applications, AI, and edge computing.
– Positions the hackathon as an opportunity to innovate using GKE and agentic AI.
– **Participation Benefits**:
– Participants will receive hands-on experience with GKE and tools like the Agent Development Kit (ADK) and Model Context Protocol (MCP).
– Access to resources such as microservices applications, GitHub examples, documentation, and tutorials to facilitate development.
– **Competition and Prizes**:
– Overall grand prize includes $15,000, $3,000 in Google Cloud Credits, KubeCon conference passes, a year of Google Developer Program Premium, and promotional opportunities.
– Regional winners and honorable mentions will also receive monetary prizes and Google Cloud Credits.
– **Project Expectations**:
– Participants are encouraged to take existing microservices applications (like Bank of Anthos or Online Boutique) and integrate innovative AI functionalities without altering core application code.
– Suggested enhancements include sophisticated chatbots or agents that monitor and optimize microservice performance.
– **Technical Focus**:
– Emphasizes the use of GKE and Google AI models (such as Gemini) for building new components that interact with existing applications.
In conclusion, the hackathon presents a valuable opportunity for developers and IT professionals to engage with cutting-edge technology while fostering a spirit of innovation within the realms of AI, cloud computing, and microservices security. Participating in this event could lead to significant advancements in application performance and operational efficiency within the framework of GKE.