Access Handbook Document Here: Google Doc Link

Welcome & Overview

Welcome to the AI Tinkerers & Google: Agents Hackathon in Toronto!

This handbook provides you with essential guidelines, resources, and tips to make the most of your hackathon experience.

Please read through it carefully before the event.

Event Goals

• Explore the fundamentals of building AI agents and multi-agent systems.
• Experiment with Google Cloud’s Agent Engine runtime, Gemini foundation models, Vertex AI, and the Agent Development Kit (ADK).
• Connect with experts, mentors, and peers who share your passion for AI innovation.
• Showcase your work in front of the Google Cloud AI Team and the broader community.

Hackathon Format Overview

• Duration: 1 day (see Event Logistics for detailed schedule)
• Teams: 3–6 participants per team (form at kickoff or ahead of time using Hackathon platform)
• Participation: In-person only
• Theme: Agentic AI — bonus points for building AI agents that collaborate with humans and other agents to solve real-world problems.
• Allowed Work: Clearly document your starting point:
  • It’s OK to build upon existing projects
  • You must clearly mark what existed before vs. what you built during the hackathon
  • Only work done during hackathon hours will be judged

Guidelines & Essentials

What to Bring

• Laptop, charger, and headphones with mic (for recording video walkthroughs)
• Government ID (required for venue entry)
• Any other required hardware for your project
• Comfortable clothing

Important to Know

• All participants must be registered by September 24th to participate
• Mentors and Google Cloud experts will be available throughout the event
• Team formation, submissions, schedule updates, judging, and results will be managed through the Hackathon Portal
• Organizers will release project suggestion ideas a week before (Sept 24th) to allow team formation and ideation
• Only work completed during hackathon hours will be judged
• Food, drinks, and snacks provided (submit dietary preferences during registration)
• You retain all intellectual property rights to your project
• By participating, you agree to the Code of Conduct (See Section 8)

Submissions

All projects will be submitted through the AI Tinkerers Hackathon Portal.

Requirements

Each team must submit:

• A working demo
• A short project description including:
  • Problem statement
  • Your solution and how it works
  • Which Google Cloud tools you used (Agentspace, Gemini, Vertex AI, ADK, etc.)
• A 2-minute demo video uploaded to YouTube (for judges’ reference)

Video Production/Screen Recording

• Windows 10/11: Win + G → Xbox Game Bar → Press ● Record → Enable audio
• Mac: Cmd + Shift + 5 → Record Entire Screen or Selected Portion → Options → Select Microphone
• Zoom or Google Meet: Start meeting → Share screen → Record → Stop
• Other Options: OBS Studio, QuickTime Player, VLC Media Player, Chrome Screen Recorder

Tips:

• Keep demo ≤ 3 minutes
• Narrate key actions and highlight Google Cloud tools
• Show running code
• Test audio/video before uploading

Judging & Evaluation

Judging Criteria

Bonus Points:
+5% Human-in-the-Loop integration
+5% Use of Google ADK
+5% Use of Vertex AI Agent Engine

Judging Process

1. Project Demo – Table number, title, 1-sentence description
2. Science Fair – Walkaround judging + Q&A + crowd voting
3. Finalist Demos – 3 judges’ picks + 1 crowd favourite present live

Event Logistics

Venue Information

• Location: Google HQ (see email correspondence for address)
• WiFi: Google Guest (no password)
• Venue Rules: Bring ID, respect equipment, follow safety policies

Schedule`

• 8:00 – 8:45 AM: Doors Open & Registration — Coffee & light breakfast
• 8:45 – 9:00 AM: Opening Remarks & Event Walkthrough
• 9:00 – 9:15 AM: Sponsor Keynote #1
• 9:15 – 9:30 AM: Sponsor Keynote #2
• 9:30 – 10:00 AM: Team Formation + Hacking Begins
• 10:00 AM – 12:15 PM: Hacking + Mentoring (Shift 1)
• 12:15 – 1:00 PM: Working Lunch + Sponsor Demo #3
• 1:00 – 5:00 PM: Hacking Continues + Mentoring (Shift 2)
• 5:00 PM: Submission Deadline
• 5:30 – 7:30 PM: Science Fair (Two Shifts) + Food
• 7:30 – 8:00 PM: Finalist Demos
• 8:00 – 8:30 PM: Awards & Closing
• Till Close: Networking

Credits & Free Trials

We’re giving the AI Tinkerers Community free trial access to Google Cloud’s cutting-edge AI tools to power your hackathon projects. For returning users, free trial access will be provided during Hackathon.

• Vertex AI Free Trial - choose “Try it in console” and then follow the prompts to enter a credit card and access the $300 credit.

• $20 GCP Credit - Incase you have already exhausted your $300 GCP introductory offer (above)

• Build What’s Next in Generative AI
• Google for Startups Cloud Program
• Hello Startups

Help & Troubleshooting

• Mentors available during hacking shifts
• Help desk for portal issues
• Communication via message board on Hackathon Portal
• Contact info: TBA

Code of Conduct

We’re committed to a welcoming and inclusive environment.

• Treat all participants with respect
• Work with honesty and integrity
• Respect privacy and ask before recording
• Follow all sponsor guidelines
• Report concerns to organizers

Closing Notes

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, and build something amazing.

Good luck, and happy hacking!