Alibaba Cloud Partners With ZetaChain To Launch Universal AI Hackathon Across Asia-Pacific
John: Hi everyone, I’m John, your go-to tech blogger at Blockchain Bulletin, where I break down the latest in Web3, metaverse, and blockchain news. Today, we’re diving into the fresh partnership between Alibaba Cloud and ZetaChain for their Universal AI Hackathon in the Asia-Pacific region, announced just yesterday on 2025-11-18. If you’d like a simple starter guide to exchanges, take a look at this beginner-friendly overview.
Lila: That sounds exciting, John—I’ve heard about hackathons boosting innovation in tech, especially with AI and blockchain mixing it up. What exactly is this Universal AI Hackathon, and why should beginners in Web3 care about it?
What is This Hackathon About?
John: Great question, Lila. This hackathon, launched on 2025-11-18 by ZetaChain in partnership with Alibaba Cloud and co-hosted by LXDAO, focuses on building AI-native Universal Apps that work across different blockchains like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. It’s aimed at developers in the Asia-Pacific region to create cross-chain applications using Alibaba Cloud’s Qwen AI models, with up to $200,000 in grants available for winners.
Lila: AI-native Universal Apps? That term is new to me—can you explain it simply?
John: Sure thing. An AI-native Universal App (that’s an application built with AI at its core and able to operate seamlessly across multiple blockchains) leverages ZetaChain’s technology for unified liquidity and access, meaning it can handle transactions from various networks without users needing to switch platforms. In the past, blockchain apps were often siloed, but currently, initiatives like this are pushing for more interconnected systems.
Background on ZetaChain and Alibaba Cloud
Lila: Okay, got it. Before we get into the details, what’s the story behind ZetaChain and Alibaba Cloud? Have they worked together before?
John: ZetaChain is a Layer 1 blockchain launched in early 2023, designed for native access to chains like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, aiming to bring seamless user experiences to billions. Alibaba Cloud, Asia’s largest cloud computing provider since its founding in 2009, has been expanding into Web3 and AI, with past collaborations including a February 2025 announcement with ZetaChain for broader blockchain adoption. Looking ahead, this hackathon builds on that by integrating Alibaba’s infrastructure with ZetaChain’s universal blockchain vision.
Lila: Interesting how they’re combining cloud power with blockchain. What changed recently to make this hackathon happen now?
John: In the past year, ZetaChain has grown to over 330,000 weekly users as of March 2025, while Alibaba Cloud has invested heavily in APAC data centers, like new ones in Malaysia and the Philippines in 2025. Currently, with AI booming, this partnership announced on 2025-11-18 taps into that momentum to encourage developers to experiment with cross-chain AI tools.
Key Details of the Event
Lila: So, what’s on the agenda? When does it start, and what can participants expect?
John: The hackathon kicks off with a learning phase from 2025-11-24 to 2025-12-07, where developers learn about ZetaChain and Qwen AI through free, open-source resources. Then, building and submissions happen, with winners getting grants, $1,000 in Alibaba Cloud credits, and 1 million Qwen AI tokens. It’s all virtual, focused on Asia-Pacific, but open to global participants interested in the region.
Lila: Prizes sound motivating! Any examples of what kind of apps they want?
John: Absolutely—think apps for decentralized finance (DeFi, which is blockchain-based financial services without traditional banks), gaming, or social platforms that use AI for smarter cross-chain interactions. For instance, an app that lets users trade assets from Ethereum to Solana instantly, powered by AI predictions. (And hey, if you’re new to this, it’s like having a smart assistant that handles the blockchain heavy lifting for you.)
How to Participate
Lila: I’m curious—how does someone get involved? Any tips for beginners?
John: Participation is straightforward: sign up via the official ZetaChain or Alibaba Cloud sites linked in their announcements. Currently, the first stage is an intensive co-learning session starting 2025-11-24, and it’s free with open-source materials. For regulatory notes, remember compliance varies by jurisdiction, so check official docs if you’re building something finance-related.
Lila: Good reminder. What are some practical steps or do’s and don’ts?
John: Here’s a quick list of tips for getting started:
- Do review ZetaChain’s developer docs on their site for basics on universal apps.
- Don’t skip the Qwen AI tutorials— they’re key for integrating AI features.
- Do team up with others via LXDAO communities for better ideas.
- Don’t ignore submission deadlines; track them on the hackathon page.
- Do test your app on testnets (practice networks) before going live.
Lila: That list makes it feel doable. Thanks!
Potential Impact and Use Cases
John: In the past, blockchain adoption in APAC has been rapid, with events like this Malaysian AI Hackathon in June 2025 showing Alibaba’s commitment. Currently, this Universal AI Hackathon could expand ZetaChain’s ecosystem by fostering apps that bring AI to Web3, like automated trading bots or AI-driven NFTs (non-fungible tokens, unique digital assets).
Lila: NFTs—those are like digital collectibles, right? How might this affect everyday users?
John: Exactly. Looking ahead, successful projects from this could lead to more user-friendly apps, such as AI tools that simplify cross-chain swaps for non-tech folks, potentially onboarding millions in APAC where Web3 is growing fast. It’s about making blockchain as easy as using a cloud app.
FAQs and Looking Ahead
Lila: Before we wrap up, what are some common questions people might have?
John: One big one: Is prior experience required? No, it’s beginner-friendly with learning resources. Another: What about costs? It’s free to join, though you’ll need basic setup like a computer and internet. Finally, winners are selected based on innovation, feasibility, and impact, as per the official guidelines.
Lila: Helpful FAQs. Any risks or safeguards to mention?
John: Always test code securely to avoid bugs, and note that while the event promotes innovation, any real-world deployment should comply with local laws—consult experts if needed.
John: To sum it up, this 2025-11-18 launch is a solid step toward blending AI and blockchain in APAC, empowering developers with real grants and tools. It’s exciting to see how it evolves, potentially shaping the next wave of universal apps. And if you’d like a bit more background on exchanges, you might enjoy this global guide.
Lila: Thanks, John—this makes the hackathon sound like a great opportunity for anyone curious about Web3 and AI. Readers, check it out and start building!
This article was created based on publicly available, verified sources. References:
- Original Source
- ZetaChain: The First Universal Blockchain – ZetaChain and Alibaba Cloud AI Hackathon
- ZetaChain and Alibaba Cloud Launch Universal AI Hackathon in Asia-Pacific – BitRss
- ZetaChain: The First Universal Blockchain – Announcing ZetaChain and Alibaba Cloud