Submitting Your Idea
to the AI Agents Hackathon 2025
A comprehensive guide to successfully navigating the submission process
Deadline
April 30, 2025
11:59 PM PST
Portal
Introduction
This report provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for submitting a project to the AI Agents Hackathon 2025, a virtual event hosted by Microsoft. The submission process is centralized through a dedicated online portal, and participants are required to provide detailed information about their project, including its concept, the problem it addresses, the technology used, and their team's experience.
This guide is structured to walk participants through each stage of the submission, from accessing the portal to finalizing their entry, ensuring all requirements are met for a successful submission before the April 30, 2025 deadline [379].
Accessing the Submission Portal
The initial and most critical step in the submission process is to correctly locate and access the official hackathon portal. This centralized platform serves as the gateway for all submission-related activities, including team registration, project details entry, and file uploads.
Locating the Official Submission Dashboard
This link is consistently referenced across all official Microsoft documentation and promotional materials for the event, including the main event page and the official rules [379] [391]. Participants should navigate to this URL to begin the submission process.
The portal is the designated platform where all project entries must be submitted to be considered for the competition. It is crucial to use this specific link, as it directs to the official Microsoft-managed platform, ensuring that the submission is received and processed correctly.
Logging In to Your Account
Authentication Process
Upon navigating to the official submission portal, participants will be required to log in to their account. The login process is a standard authentication step designed to verify the identity of the user and associate the submission with the correct team and individual profiles.
It is essential to use the same credentials that were used during the initial registration for the hackathon to ensure continuity and avoid any discrepancies. If a participant has not yet registered for the event, they will need to do so first before they can access the submission dashboard [391].
Completing the Submission Form
The submission form is the heart of the entry process, requiring detailed information about the project. It is designed to capture all the essential elements of the AI agent, from its core concept to the technical implementation. It is crucial to fill out every field in the submission form to ensure that the entry is complete and eligible for judging [414].
Available Prize Categories
| Prize Category | Prize Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Agent | $20,000 | Awarded to the most innovative and impactful AI agent across all categories. |
| Best Agent in Python | $5,000 | Recognizes the best AI agent built using the Python programming language. |
| Best Agent in C# | $5,000 | Recognizes the best AI agent built using the C# programming language. |
| Best Agent in Java | $5,000 | Recognizes the best AI agent built using the Java programming language. |
| Best Agent in JavaScript/TypeScript | $5,000 | Recognizes the best AI agent built using JavaScript or TypeScript. |
| Best Copilot Agent | $5,000 | Awarded to the best agent built using Microsoft Copilot Studio or the Microsoft 365 Agents SDK. |
| Best Azure AI Agent Service Usage | $5,000 | Recognizes the project that makes the most effective use of the Azure AI Agent Service. |
Selecting a Theme
The first step in the submission form is to select a theme for the project. The AI Agents Hackathon 2025 features several distinct categories, each with its own focus and prize [379] [388].
Important Note
Each team can only win in one category, so it is important to choose the one that best represents the project's strengths [379].
Describing Your Idea
Character Limit: 2000 characters
The "Idea Description" section requires a clear and concise explanation of your project, showcasing creativity and innovation while providing judges with a high-level understanding of your AI agent.
When crafting the idea description, it is important to start with a strong opening statement that clearly articulates the core concept of the AI agent. This should be followed by a more detailed explanation of the agent's functionality, including its key features and capabilities.
Do Include:
- • Strong opening statement
- • Key features and capabilities
- • Unique value proposition
- • Accessible language
Avoid:
- • Overly technical jargon
- • Vague descriptions
- • Exceeding character limit
- • Typos and errors
Explaining the Problem
The "Problem Statement" section is where participants define the real-world problem their AI agent is designed to solve. This is a critical component that provides context and justification for the project.
Key Elements of a Strong Problem Statement:
Problem Definition
- • Specific and focused
- • Clear pain points
- • Evidence-supported
- • Relatable context
Impact Demonstration
- • Scale and scope
- • Quantified metrics
- • Real-world examples
- • Urgency and importance
Listing Your Technology Stack
The "Technology Stack" section requires listing all technologies, frameworks, and tools used to build the AI agent. This demonstrates technical expertise and provides judges with insight into the project's implementation.
Technology Stack Organization
Programming Languages
Python, C#, Java, JavaScript/TypeScript
Frameworks & Libraries
TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn
Cloud Services
Azure ML, Cognitive Services, Functions
In addition to listing technologies, explain the rationale behind your choices. This demonstrates critical thinking and strategic decision-making in technology selection.
Uploading Your Submission Materials
In addition to filling out the submission form, participants must upload supporting materials that provide detailed information about their project. These materials are essential for judges to gain a comprehensive understanding of the project's concept, design, and implementation.
Preparing Your Idea Submission Deck
Format Requirement: PDF Only
The submission guidelines specify that the idea submission deck must be in PDF format to ensure compatibility across platforms.
Recommended Deck Structure
Uploading the PDF File
Upload Process
- Locate the file upload section at the end of the submission form
- Click "Upload File" or "Choose File" button
- Select your PDF file in the file browser
- Click "Upload" or "Submit" to attach the file
- Verify the upload was successful through confirmation message
After selecting the PDF file, attach it to the submission form and verify the upload was successful. The portal will typically display a confirmation message or preview of the uploaded file. Double-check the file name and size to ensure the correct file was uploaded.
Finalizing and Submitting Your Idea
The final stage involves a thorough review of all information and materials, followed by official confirmation of your submission. This is your last opportunity to make changes before your project is locked in for judging.
Reviewing All Entered Information
Comprehensive Review Checklist
Form Sections
- • Project description accuracy
- • Problem statement clarity
- • Technology stack completeness
- • Team member details
Materials & Details
- • Correct theme selection
- • Uploaded PDF verification
- • File accessibility check
- • Fresh pair of eyes review
Before finalizing your submission, conduct a comprehensive review of all entered information. This is your last chance to catch errors, omissions, or inconsistencies. It is a good practice to have a teammate or trusted colleague review your submission as well.
Confirming the Submission of Your Project
Final Confirmation
Once you have completed your review and are satisfied with all information, click the "Submit" or "Confirm Submission" button.
Note: After confirmation, no further changes can be made.
After confirming your submission, you should receive a confirmation message or email from the hackathon organizers, acknowledging that your project has been successfully submitted. Keep a record of this confirmation for your records.
Acknowledging the Submission Deadline
CRITICAL DEADLINE
April 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST [379]
Any submissions received after this deadline will not be considered.
Submit Early
Do not wait until the last minute to avoid technical difficulties from high traffic volumes.
Plan Accordingly
Complete and submit your project well in advance to allow ample time for review and corrections.
Ready to Submit?
Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your AI Agents Hackathon 2025 submission is complete, professional, and submitted before the deadline. Remember that preparation and attention to detail are key to success.