Bank of Punjab (BoP) has become a strategic partner of Google Cloud Startup Competition 2024. This competition is organised nationally by Google Cloud Partner Tech Valley and supported by Google Developers Group throughout Pakistan. This partnership marks a significant milestone in uncovering and nurturing Pakistan’s most promising tech startups, positioning them prominently on the regional innovation map.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Bank of Punjab as a strategic partner for the Google Cloud Startup Competition,” said Tech Valley Pakistan CEO Umar Farooq. “This collaboration strengthens our mission to empower Pakistan’s most innovative startups and propel them onto the global stage.”
Bank of Punjab (BoP), a champion of Pakistan’s fintech and startup scene, partnered with LUMS and NIC in 2022 to set up the innovation centre and launched the nationwide “Sprint Pakistan Powered by digiBOP Program” last year. BOP sponsored trips of the top 10 Winners to Singapore to participate in the Singapore Fintech Festival 2023, which gave them immense pitching, networking and partnering opportunities with Global VCs, Tech companies and Financial Institutions.
“Looking forward to collaborating with Google on cutting-edge technologies like AI and cloud to empower Pakistan’s startups. Besides conventional digital banking products, we have a great focus on Banking As A Service, API-based banking, Super App journey, Embedded Finance, and developing a Sandbox, which makes Integration and collaboration with Startup & Fintechs easy. Supporting the startup ecosystem is BOP’s key strategic pillar and very close to my heart.” Said Imran Ashraf, Head of Digital Banking at the Bank of Punjab
The Google Cloud Startup Competition Pakistan 2024 invites startups to compete in five key areas: AI, E-commerce, Fintech, Frontier Technologies, and Sustainability. Winners in each track will receive PKR 1 million and connect with VCs.
“Bank of Punjab has a long-standing track record of nurturing Pakistani startups and bringing them to regional markets. We look forward to working together to unearth new talents and enable them with resources to thrive,” said Farhan Qureshi, Country Director, Pakistan, Google.
The Google Cloud Startup Competition Pakistan 2024 has additionally garnered support from various key stakeholders in the startup ecosystem, including sponsors Alethea AI, Tridorian, Aspire, OPEN Silicon Valley and Bookme.