In this episode of the Index AI Podcast, host Hannah Zhao explores two groundbreaking protocols that are transforming how AI agents communicate and collaborate: Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol (MCP) and Google’s Agent-to-Agent (A2A). These technologies aren’t just technical upgrades—they represent a shift toward dynamic, multi-agent systems capable of intelligent coordination and tool integration.
We break down how A2A enables AI agents to speak a common language, advertise their capabilities, and securely cooperate in real-time, while MCP gives individual AI models structured, on-demand access to external tools and data sources, no matter the underlying LLM.
From enterprise-grade authentication to real-world workflows—like customer service, financial analysis, or multi-agent planning—this episode dives deep into how these protocols unlock smarter, more scalable AI systems. We also explore the future of hybrid setups that combine A2A and MCP to form powerful, interoperable agent teams.
Whether you're a founder exploring AI automation, a developer building multi-agent workflows, or simply curious about where AI infrastructure is heading, this episode offers practical insights into the protocols shaping the future of AI collaboration.
Visit Index AI at theindexai.com and learn more about Hannah Zhao’s work at hannahzhao.com
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🎧 Tune in to discover how MCP and A2A are laying the groundwork for the next generation of intelligent, collaborative AI systems.