Idea incubator: Throw-a-thon at LUMS from June 3

Winning teams to get prizes totaling $10,000

LAHORE: NetSol Technologies will host its second annual throw-a-thon at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) from June 3 to 5.

Faizaan Ghauri, the event organiser, said that the event had attracted a lot of attention last year. “This year, NetSol is once again holding the event in order to make our country a virtual reality powerhouse. This will help foster the tech ecosystem,” he said.

The event sponsors are offering cash prizes and incubation opportunities for the participating entrepreneurs.

“Last year the response was tremendous. We brought together some bright young Pakistani entrepreneurs. We want to promote collaboration and peace through technology, so we are reaching out to a larger audience. Throw-a-thon is an initiative to open doors for those who will be in charge of shaping our future,” Ghauri said.

A number of competitions will be held at the event where participants will be asked to pitch their ideas related to technology, software or virtual reality. The winning teams will be given three days to build their ideas.

The event promises participants with guidance from industry leaders, development kits, and startup tools. The top teams will be given prizes totaling $10,000 and an opportunity to partner with Nspire, NetSol`s own incubation tank, to bring their ideas to life as marketable products.

“Last year’s overwhelming response showed us that there was a massive appetite for such events. Many young individuals who participate in such events find that their ideas can turn into reality. NetSol has recently started a joint venture with a 3D mapping company, eeGeo. We are looking for innovative new ways to augment that side of our business, particularly in virtual reality. This year as well, I am confident that we will come across exciting new concepts,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2016.