"BOP announces the largest Hackathon in Pakistan, called Sprint Pakistan, in partnership with collaborators."
The Bank of Punjab (BOP) held a launch event to announce Pakistan's largest hackathon, "Sprint Pakistan – Powered by digiBOP, Empowering Innovation for Global Impact," in collaboration with the National Incubation Center Lahore (NICL). This event highlights a strong commitment to innovation and forward-thinking, with NICL involving National Incubation Centers (NICs) in various cities.
The ceremony marks the beginning of hackathons in 7 major Pakistani cities, inviting startups and fintech companies to showcase their innovative ideas. Winners from each city event will advance to a final Grand Hackathon at NICL LUMS in Lahore. Grand hackathon winners stand a chance to win cash prizes of PKR 2.2 million and an all-expenses-paid trip to represent Pakistan at the 2023 Singapore Fintech Festival.
The ceremony, held at NICL Auditorium (LUMS), featured BOP's leadership, industry dignitaries from LUMS, and startup founders from 7 major Pakistani cities. Mr. Nofel Daud, Group Head of Strategy & Strategic Initiatives at BOP, highlighted the bank's ongoing digital transformation efforts and expressed confidence that Sprint Pakistan would be a game-changer in the startup ecosystem and further contribute to BOP's digital journey. Ms. Alia Zafar, Group Head of People & Organizational Excellence at BOP, emphasized the significance of initiatives for youth and their potential impact, highlighting "Sprint Pakistan" as a fertile ground for innovation and a unique platform for startups to showcase their creativity.
During the ceremony, Mr. Imran Ashraf, Chief Digital Officer at BOP, presented a comprehensive plan for the hackathon, highlighting the valuable opportunities it offers to startups, including international recognition, cash prizes, and fully sponsored trips to participate in SFF. H.E. Ms. Rukhsana Afzaal, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Singapore, and Mr. Shadab Taiyabi, President of SFA, sent their greetings via e-video message. Virtual participation from Mr. Umang Moondra, CEO of Synfindo APIX, and Mr. Farhan Mumtaz from the StartKar working group in Singapore provided insights into the Singapore Fintech Festival 2023. The event garnered significant local and international viewership in Singapore through e-connect technology.
Mr. Badar Khushnood, an industry expert and board member of NICL, attended the ceremony and praised BOP's ongoing commitment to the startup ecosystem and innovation. Mr. Hussain Merchant, Head of Fintech, Customer Experience, and Innovation at BOP, wrapped up the event by encouraging aspiring participants to prepare for the upcoming city-wide hackathons, offering startup winners the opportunity to excel.
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