Getting Started with Ideathon

Welcome to the Ideathon

This guide will help you build a complete project using Google technologies with the help of AI. Even if you're a beginner, you'll be able to create something amazing.

Quick Overview

The Ideathon workflow is simple:

1. Browse the available Google technology guides in the sidebar
2. Download the prompt files you need
3. Fill out the idea submission form with your project details
4. Use Anti-Gravity (Google's AI IDE) to build your project automatically

Starter Repository

Want to jump-start your project? We've created a pre-configured starter template with everything you need!

For detailed instructions on cloning and setting up the repository, check out the Clone Starter Repository Guide.

Available Resources

All files are available in the sidebar under two sections:

Google Technologies

Choose any of the following technologies for your project:

• Google Maps Platform - Interactive maps, markers, live tracking, and routes
• Firebase - Authentication, real-time databases, and cloud storage
• Google Gemini AI - AI chatbots, text analysis, and smart assistants
• Google Cloud Platform - Scalable cloud deployment and services
• Google Authentication - Secure Google Sign-In integration

Each guide includes:

• Requirements and allowed features
• Tech stack recommendations
• Complete AI prompt template

Not Limited to These! You can use any Google technology for your project, including:

• Google Sheets API
• Google Drive API
• Google Calendar API
• YouTube Data API
• Google Translate API
• Google Vision API
• And many more!

If you want to use a different Google technology, simply create your own markdown file by following the same format as our provided guides. Use them as templates and customize for your chosen technology.

Ideathon Resources

Essential files for your project:

• Idea Submission Form - Template to describe your project idea
• AI Starter Instructions - Instructions for Anti-Gravity to build your project

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Choose Your Technology

Browse the Google Technologies section in the sidebar and pick the one that fits your project idea best. Click on it to read the requirements and features.

Step 2: Download or Copy Required Files

Each technology guide and resource page provides two options for obtaining the file:

• Download Button - Downloads the .mdx file directly to your computer
• Copy Button - Copies the file content to your clipboard

Files You Need:

1. Starter Instructions (starter.mdx) - Required for all projects
2. Technology Guide (e.g., google-maps.mdx) - For your chosen technology
3. Idea Submission Form (idea-submission-form.mdx) - To describe your project

Step 3: Organize Your Files

Create a project folder and place all downloaded files together:

my-ideathon-project/
├── starter.mdx
├── idea-submission-form.mdx
└── google-maps.mdx (or firebase.mdx, gemini.mdx, etc.)

Step 4: Fill Out Your Idea

Open idea-submission-form.mdx in any text editor and fill in:

• Team Details - Names, year, college
• Problem Statement - What problem are you solving?
• Your Idea - Describe your app/website in simple words
• Features (Optional) - List features if you know them
• UI Preferences (Optional) - Describe your desired design

Don't worry if you don't know everything! The AI will help fill in the gaps.

Step 5: Use Anti-Gravity

Open your project folder in Anti-Gravity (Google's AI IDE) and paste this instruction:

Read the starter.mdx file in this project folder and follow all instructions.
Use the idea from idea-submission-form.mdx and the technology guide to build a complete working project.

Anti-Gravity will:

• Read all your markdown files
• Generate complete source code
• Create a modern UI with animations
• Set up Google API integration
• Provide setup instructions

Step 6: Run and Test

After Anti-Gravity generates your project:

1. Follow the setup instructions in the generated README
2. Get your Google API keys (instructions will be provided)
3. Run the project locally
4. Test all features
5. Customize as needed

Using Other Google Technologies

Want to use a Google technology not listed in our guides? No problem!

Creating Your Own Technology Guide

1. Download an Example - Get any of our provided technology guides (e.g., firebase.mdx or google-maps.mdx)
2. Use as Template - Open it in a text editor and study the structure
3. Customize - Replace the content with your chosen Google technology:
   • Change the title and description
   • List the features and APIs you'll use
   • Update the requirements
   • Modify the AI prompt template
4. Save - Save your file as your-technology.mdx in your project folder

Example Structure

Your custom markdown file should include:

# Your Google Technology Name

## Purpose

What your project must do with this technology

## Allowed Features

- Feature 1
- Feature 2
- Feature 3

## Mandatory Requirements

- Requirement 1
- Requirement 2

## Tech Stack

- Frontend: Your choice
- Backend: Your choice
- API: Google [Technology] API

## Prompt for AI IDE

You are building a project using Google [Technology].

Project Idea:
[PASTE YOUR IDEA HERE]

Requirements:

- Use Google [Technology] API
- [Other requirements]

Generate:

- Complete project structure
- API integration
- README

Popular Google Technologies

Consider these options:

• Google Sheets API - Spreadsheet integration and data management
• Google Drive API - File storage and sharing
• Google Calendar API - Event scheduling and management
• YouTube Data API - Video content integration
• Google Translate API - Multi-language support
• Google Vision API - Image recognition and analysis
• Google Text-to-Speech - Voice synthesis
• Google Speech-to-Text - Voice recognition

Pro Tip: Browse the Google Cloud Console to discover all available APIs!

Tips for Success

Be Specific - The more details you provide in the idea form, the better the AI can help you.

Start Simple - Begin with core features. You can always add more later.

Test Thoroughly - Make sure everything works before submitting.

Ask for Help - Use the GDG Discord, talk to mentors, or email the organizing team.

Customize - The generated code is yours. Feel free to modify and improve it.

Common Questions

Q: I don't know how to code. Can I participate?
A: Yes! Anti-Gravity writes the code for you. Just explain your idea clearly.

Q: Can I use multiple Google technologies?
A: You must use at least ONE, but you can combine multiple if needed.

Q: Can I use a Google technology not in your guides?
A: Yes! Use our provided guides as templates to create your own markdown file for any Google technology.

Q: What if I don't specify a UI design?
A: Anti-Gravity will create a modern, animated UI automatically.

Q: How long does it take?
A: Anti-Gravity generates code in minutes. You'll spend time understanding and customizing it.

Q: Can I modify the generated code?
A: Absolutely! The code is yours to customize.

Need Help?

• Documentation - Browse the technology guides in the sidebar
• Discord - Ask questions in the GDG Discord server
• Mentors - Talk to your assigned mentors
• Email - Contact the organizing team

Ready to Start?

1. Browse the Google Technologies section in the sidebar
2. Click the Download button on each required file
3. Fill out your idea in idea-submission-form.mdx
4. Let Anti-Gravity build your project!

Good luck, and have fun building!