Build Custom Engine Agents using Microsoft 365 Agents SDK

In my session, we’re going hands-on with Custom Engine Agents using the Microsoft 365 Agents SDK and this is where it gets interesting for developers who want real control. Unlike declarative agents that rely on Copilot’s built-in model and orchestration, a custom engine agent lets you bring your own foundation model, your own orchestrator, your own security stack. It depends on what you’re building, but the moment your requirements don’t fit neatly into the standard Copilot box, this is the path you’ll want to take.

We’ll work through two learning paths: one starting in Microsoft Foundry with Semantic Kernel for multi-step reasoning, and one building a full agent from the ground up using the Agent Framework progressively adding Azure AI Search, vision models, and MCP tools. Ultimately, the Microsoft 365 Agents SDK is the bridge that makes your agent work across Teams, Copilot Chat, and external channels and that cross-channel reach is, in my view, where a lot of the real value sits!

During the afternoon you will have the opportunity to build your own custom engine agent with guidance. Whether you’re looking to build a simple agent that integrates with Microsoft 365 data or a complex agent that orchestrates multiple models and tools, this session will give you the foundation you need to get started.