Photo Credit: Islamabad United
Islamabad United, the most successful franchise in HBL PSL history and the winner of the first and third edition of the tournament, is proud to continue its #UnitedWeTech initiative for 2021. For this program the franchise will partner with NIC Karachi and NIC Peshawar this year, along with continuing its association with P@SHA (Pakistan software Houses Association for IT and ITES) via the Nest/IO.
Since its inception in 2016, apart from focusing on cricket, AAN-Leonine – the parent company of Islamabad United – has focused on utilizing the popularity of cricket to bring positive social, cultural and economic change to Pakistan. The franchise focuses on its mission statement by implementing a strategy built around the principle of 4 Es – Excellence, Empowerment, Education and the Environment.
Launched in 2020 this initiative has helped assist start-ups in gaining visibility and brand recognition through the platform and reach of Islamabad United. The shortlisted start-ups will have the opportunity to showcase their products within the PSL6 season, and for the rest of 2021, through Islamabad United’s exceptional brand recognition, popularity, and massive outreach all over the country.
Regarding the project, Ali Naqvi, the owner of Islamabad United said, “We launched this initiative last year to bring focus to entrepreneurship and technology in Pakistan. It’s our steadfast belief that the future of Pakistan and its citizens is strongly linked to, and dependent upon, the adoption, development and expansion of technology in every sphere of our society. Considering all we have gone through as a species in the last twelve months the value of technology, and the need to for change has only accelerated. We partnered with P@SHA and The Nest last year as the premier institutions in Pakistan in this space, and we are pleased to tie up with NIC Karachi and NIC Peshawar for this year, as part of expanding the program. Furthermore we also want to thank each of the parties that we are partnering with for #UnitedWeTech out of a desire for the advancement of Pakistan.”
This initiative is done by all parties involved on a pro bono basis, with the advancement of Tech in Pakistan as the primary motivation.
Under this program applications will be invited from aspiring entrepreneurs and founders with proven minimum viable products (MVPs), demonstrated traction, having a large TAM and/or with a strong positive social aspect to them. A team of expert will short-list the most exceptional disruptive ideas on display. This initiative aims to address one of the major challenges that tech start-ups face in Pakistan: attaining visibility and brand recognition. Islamabad United, with by far the largest digital media presence in PSL (over four million followers across social media platforms) provides the ideal platform for these ventures.
Regarding the project, Faisal Jamil, Executive Vice President NIC said “The National Incubation Centers Peshawar and Karachi are proud to partner with Islamabad United for #UnitedWeTech 2021 edition. NIC Peshawar and Karachi along with other partners will look for young innovators to bring about technological disruption in Pakistan’s favorite sport in particular and the society as a whole. Let the innovation power play begin.”
“The Nest I/O is thrilled to be partnering with Islamabad United once again this year for #UnitedWeTech. Cricket drives and excites us. We are on the lookout for those who are ready to take on the challenge of bringing disruption through technology and innovation. Bring your best game to the field, all-rounders!” – Jehan Ara, President P@SHA and Founder, The Nest I/O
Photo Credit: Twitter profile picture of @jehan_ara
Islamabad United is the most successful team of the Pakistan Super League (PSL); winner of the first and third seasons of the HBL PSL. The franchise believes in bringing change to Pakistani sports with the introduction of international standards of practice and a commitment to continuous progress.
AAN – Leonine Sports is the proud owner of Islamabad United, the FIRST CHAMPIONS and the most successful team in the Pakistan Super League. AAN-Leonine Sports is focused on enabling sports and creating franchises with a mission to provide: 1) A truly global experience on sports entertainment; 2) A fan base which is loyal, aware and supportive of the sport and the franchise; 3) An aspirational beacon for up and coming players to strive for excellence in cricket for Pakistan in particular and for the world at large; 4) An eco-system for the promotion of sports through close partnerships with the respective sports boards; 5) A truly professionally-run organization with exceptional standards of corporate governance and international best practices; 6) Promotion of Pakistan through sports and involvement of internationally known figures into Pakistan; 7) A responsible member on CSR.
The company focuses on the above mission statement by implementing a strategy built around the principle of 4 Es – Excellence, Empowerment, Education and Environment.
