The National Incubation Center (NIC) Peshawar in collaboration with UNDP Pakistan GLOF II organized a three-day hackathon focused on Climate Change from 15-17 November 2022. The ClimAct | Climate Change Hackathon was also supported by U.S. Mission in Pakistan and Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network.
A delegation from the US Consulate General Peshawar visited National Incubation Center (NIC) Peshawar on 15th November 2022 and interacted with various startups. The US Consulate team was led by Counsel General Panfilo Marquez and Minister Counselor William Ostick.
Counsel General Panfilo Marquez also highlighted various projects of the U.S. Mission in Pakistan from cultural preservation to economic development. He stressed the fact that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time which significantly impacts human health, security, food production and water supply, as well as the livelihoods and economies of developing countries. He said “The effects of climate change are unevenly distributed across different regions, genders, and social groups. We must understand the causes of climate change and its impacts to respond effectively to this challenge.”
The delegation also took a tour of the NIC Peshawar facility and congratulated the team on their remarkable journey and recent achievements. The delegation also promised to donate a 3D printer to NIC Peshawar to help startups with their prototyping and product development.
The visit of the US Consulate delegation has shown that there is a strong commitment from the US government to foster entrepreneurship in Pakistan through its various programs such as entrepreneurship grants, and mentorship programs In addition, the visit also highlighted how both national and local governments can work together to create an environment that is conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship growth.
The hackathon concluded on the 17th of November 2022, where NIC Peshawar’s 9th cohort startup “Maka” was declared the winner by a judging panel led by Dr. Habib Sheikh Deputy Director of Environmental Protection Agency, and received an amount of 50,000 PKR as seed money.
