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ISLAMABAD, Jan 15 (APP):Abbottabad University of Science and Technology (AUST) recently hosted the prestigious Hult Prize Hackathon from January 13 to 15, in collaboration with the Business Incubation Centre (BIC). The three-day event, which concluded Wednesday, brought together students, mentors, and industry leaders to inspire innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, culminating in a celebration of creativity and impactful ideas.
The Hackathon began with an inspiring keynote address by Alveena Farooq, founder of TRANSformation Pakistan and President of the Young Entrepreneurs Society. Her session, “Crafting a Successful Business Idea,” offered participants invaluable guidance on developing business models that align with community needs. “The future belongs to those who dare to dream and innovate,” she emphasized, encouraging students to think beyond traditional boundaries and pursue meaningful solutions to real-world challenges.
Participants formed teams and worked under the mentorship of seasoned industry experts and faculty members, engaging in workshops, brainstorming sessions, and one-on-one guidance. The hands-on approach ensured a comprehensive learning experience, as students tackled pressing issues through innovative business proposals.
AUST’s leadership, including Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Tahir Irfan and Chairman of Management Sciences Dr. Asif Ahmed, commended the Hackathon’s role in fostering entrepreneurial talent and contributing to economic growth. The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing the most innovative ideas, with winners receiving mentorship and resources to bring their concepts to fruition.
Among the event’s key highlights was a keynote address by Hassan Nisar, Founder and CEO of Metrix Pakistan, who spoke on the importance of cybersecurity and responsible digital engagement.
“The digital age has brought immense opportunities but also unprecedented risks,” Hassan remarked during his session titled “Safe, Secure, and Responsible Cyberspace.” He shared his extensive experience in combating scams, phishing, and impersonation schemes, having helped over 800 individuals recover hacked accounts since 2020.
Hassan urged attendees to build their digital presence responsibly, advising them to verify account authenticity, avoid oversharing, and stay vigilant against fraudulent activities. “The transformation toward a secure digital ecosystem is not just necessary—it’s urgent,” he added.
The Peshawar Digital Fest featured over 20 expert speakers addressing topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and freelancing, alongside dynamic activities like Hackathons, Job Fairs, and Startup Stalls. Organized with support from leading tech players like Vanar and TechBrixia, the event emphasized collaboration and knowledge-sharing, creating a vibrant platform for innovation.