Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB) formally launched its first Government Innovation Lab in Peshawar under the umbrella of project "Durshal". Present on the occasion was the Senior Minister for Health & Information Technology, Shahram Khan Tarakai along with other dignitaries.
"Durshal" is envisaged to anchor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's digital transformation by establishing a network of community spaces across the province with the goal to advance successful development of emerging businesses, digital governance and civic engagement in ICT sector and to contribute to the overall growth of the economy. The aim of this project is to focus on two of the main pillars of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Digital Strategy; i.e. Digital Governance and Digital Economy.
Durshal Government Innovation Lab is home to KPITB's Civic Innovation Fellowship programme. Civic Innovation Fellowship is Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IT to (KPITB), Code for Pakistan (CfP) and the World Bank Group's collaborative initiative that aims to bring technological revolution in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by connecting the government departments with tech entrepreneurs to anchor KP's digital transformation.
Each year the Civic Innovation Fellowship programme will bring together local techies, designers and developers for a period of 6-months to come up with solutions to improve service delivery at government departments.
KPITB also plans to leverage Durshal Government Innovation Lab at Peshawar to incubate potential startups. Incubated startups will be taken on board for a period of 6 months and will undergo an intensive training program under the mentorship of leading mentors in the tech industry. Durshal Government Innovation Lab is set to open its door to its first batch of Civic fellows and startups soon.