PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IT Board (KPITB), Tech Valley Abbottabad, Code for Pakistan, World Bank and Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) hosted a ‘Demo Day’ for the KP Apps Challenge at a local hotel. Youngsters from all over Pakistan were invited to participate in the challenge, which was judged by a panel of experts. Total cash prizes of up to Rs 0.6 million were also announced. Submissions of note included ‘Karigar’ – a mobile app that connects vocational tradesmen such as carpenters and plumbers to potential employers; ‘Ikhtiyar’ – an integrated website platform for lodging complaints to government; ‘Rescue 1122’ – a mobile app for government emergency services; and ‘Blood Bank’ – an app that connects blood donors to those in need of blood, depending on their location. As many as 42 teams submitted their apps to compete for prizes in civic, governance, health and mobile categories. Seventeen of these were short-listed and presented a small demonstration of their app at the event. The judges, including PTA Coordination DG, KPITB projects director and World Bank representatives asked probing questions to decide which teams had the most potential. Speaking at the event, KPITB Acting MD Zafar Ali Shah remarked, “The innovation, creativity and technical skills demonstrated by KP teams shows that the youth in this province has the potential to compete globally. KP is indeed emerging as a hub for the tech industry.” PTA Chairman Dr Ismail Shah said, “PTA appreciates the immense talent of young mobile apps entrepreneurs and their potential to represent Pakistan at global arena. PTA would continue its effort to promote mobile app entrepreneurship in the country and it aims at working with all relevant stakeholders to build sustainable mobile technology eco-system in Pakistan.” Winning teams would be provided with ongoing support in addition to the cash prizes. This support would help the youth turn their ideas into function businesses, or work directly with the government to implement government – facing solutions.