NBO Hackathon to bring Omani tech savvies to the fore

Local tech savvies and IT amateurs and professionals who think out of the box and want to break the glass ceiling are in for a major fillip as the National Bank of Oman (NBO) is hosting the first ‘Hackathon’ on April 30 and May 1.

The one of its kind event will see participants from local universities, colleges and organisations along with international startups produce the next big technological ideas that will shape the future banks and banking transactions.

“This unique event is an excellent platform for young and talented people to express their creativity. Fostering a spirit of innovation has always been a priority for NBO”, Ahmed al Musalmi, CEO of NBO told the Observer adding that by connecting forward-thinking minds with industry leaders, IT professionals and potential employers, the bank hoped to transform ideas into real life solutions.

The competition is divided into two parts where students will compete with each other in the first part while Oman’s real professionals and startups will vie for the top position among themselves.

“The ideas and topics on which both students and professionals can develop their solutions for future banking are open but with core ideas on how better customers can be served in the next decade”, Faizal Eledath, GM, Chief Information Officer at NBO added.

All participants will pitch their developed ideas and prototypes to a panel of judges who are big wigs in IT and representatives of ITA. Five out of the total will then be shortlisted for the grand finale and each section will have one winner who will take home RO 2,000. “The recognitions wouldn’t stop there”, Al Musalmi adds. “Prizes and appreciations continue in the form of an internship and potential employment opportunity with NBO or its partners.”

“We have been visiting schools, colleges and universities across the country to encourage students to showcase their IT and creative talents in the Hackathon”, Leen al Atassi, Head of Corporate Communications and CSR said.

“And the response has been overwhelming and only time can reveal the ground-breaking ideas sprouting Omani soil”, she added.

Students can register on www.nbo. om/hackathon before April 10, 2017.