Lahore – In a remarkable spirit for innovation and forward-thinking, the
Bank of Punjab (BOP) hosted a launch ceremony to unveil the
details for their hyped Pakistan’s largest hackathon ‘Sprint
Pakistan – Powered by digiBOP, Empowering Innovation for
Global Impact’ in collaboration with its executing partner, (NICL)
at LUMS who will be involving NICs across these cities. This
ceremony officially kicks off a series of hackathons in 7 major cities
of Pakistan inviting all startups and fintechs to participate and
compete for the most innovative ideas. Winners from each city
hackathon will later compete in the final Grand Hackathon to be
held in Lahore at NICL LUMS. Lucky winners from the grand
hackathon will win cash prizes worth PKR 2.2 million and a fully
sponsored trip with return tickets to Singapore, representing
Pakistan at the Singapore Fintech Festival 2023.
Sprint Pakistan – Powered by digiBOP’s esteemed partners include
Pakistan High Commission to Singapore, SFA, StartKar 2.0,
Elevandi, and APIX.
The ceremony held at NICL Auditorium (LUMS) brought together
BOP’s leadership, notable industry dignitaries from LUMS, and
startup founders including NICs and BICs from 7 major cities of
Pakistan. Mr. Nofel Daud (Group Head Strategy & Strategic
Initiatives – BOP) highlighted BOP’s consistent efforts in its digital
transformation journey. He said, “I am confident Sprint Pakistan
will be a game changer in the startup ecosystem as well as render
itself as another feat in BOP digital transformation journey”.
Ms. Alia Zafar (Group Head People & Organizational Excellence –
BOP) emphasized the importance of initiatives for youth and their
scale of impact. She said, “Sprint Pakistan” serves as a fertile
ground for innovation, providing startups with a unique platform
to showcase their creativity”.
Mr. Imran Ashraf (Chief Digital Officer – BOP) enlightened the
audience with a comprehensive plan for the hackathon
emphasizing the golden opportunities that it offers to the startups
such as international recognition, followed by cash prizes, and
fully sponsored trips with return tickets for participation in SFF.
H. E. Ms. Rukhsana Afzaal (Pakistan’s High Commissioner to
Singapore) and Mr. Shadab Taiyabi (President SFA) graced the
launch ceremony with their presence through e-video message.
Mr. Umang Moondra (CEO Synfindo APIX) and Mr. Farhan
Mumtaz, working group StartKar from Singapore joined virtually
and engaged with the audience explaining invaluable information
regarding Singapore Fintech Festival 2023. The event was largely
viewed locally and internationally in Singapore through e-connect.
Mr. Badar Khushnood, an industry expert, entrepreneur, and
board member of NICL was also present at the ceremony and
lauded BOP’s consistent efforts for the startup ecosystem and
fostering innovation. Mr. Hussain Merchant (Head Fintech, CE &
Innovation – BOP) concluded the evening and asked the aspirants
to gear up for the city-wise hackathons that are about to begin for
winning startups.
