The College of Computer Science and Information Systems (CCSIS), Institute of Business Management (IoBM), in collaboration with the IEEE IoBM Student Branch, successfully hosted the second edition of TechNova’26, its flagship annual technology event, under the theme “Connect. Create. Conquer.”
Recognized as one of Karachi’s prominent inter-university technology events, TechNova’26 brought together more than 250 student participants representing 36 universities and colleges. The event provided an engaging platform for young innovators to demonstrate their technical expertise, exchange ideas, collaborate with peers, and interact with professionals from academia and industry. An esteemed panel of judges for each competition, drawn from diverse academic institutions and industry sectors, enriched the evaluation process with their extensive knowledge and experience.
Spearheaded by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abbas, Dean, CCSIS, and directed by Dr. Khalid Mahboob, Director, TechNova’26, the event reaffirmed IoBM’s commitment to strengthening industry-academia linkages and promoting youth-led technological innovation in Pakistan.
This year’s edition featured seven competitive modules aligned with emerging developments in technology. Established competitions, including FYP Warriors and Startup Launchpad, were complemented by newly introduced modules such as Capture the Flag, Datathon, and Agentic AI, which challenged participants in cybersecurity, data science, and next-generation artificial intelligence systems. Prompt Engineering returned for its second consecutive year, while Maths Mania was expanded into Junior and Advanced categories to accommodate participants with varying levels of expertise.
Cyber Security Summit 2026, Held on the Sidelines of TechNova’26
As part of TechNova’26, CCSIS, in collaboration with the IEEE Student Branch, also hosted the Cyber Security Summit 2026, under the theme “Cyber Security in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Securing Innovation, Building Trust, and Defending the Digital Future.” The Summit brought together senior leaders and decision-makers from academia and the technology industry to discuss the evolving cyber threat landscape, reinforcing TechNova’s broader role as a platform designed to bridge the gap between industry and academia.
Guests included Prof. Dr. Tariq Rahim Soomro, Rector, IoBM; Mr. Bilal Elahi, CEO and Co-Founder, Beenco Labs; Mr. Raheel Iqbal, Director, Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC); Syed Azmat, CEO, Cybersoft Technologies; Mr. Farhan Arif, Head of Technology and Digital Transformation, Medics Laboratories; Mr. Fahad Ahmed Khan, Senior Cyber Security Consultant, TrendAI; and Mr. Zeeshan Ali, Manager, Information Security, Thal Limited. The session was moderated by Mr. Ahmed Aftab, Group CIO, Orient Textile Mills, with Dr. Umme Laila, Associate Professor, CCSIS, serving as event coordinator. The Master of Ceremonies was Ms. Navera Abrar, Senior Research Officer, ORIC, IoBM. In his welcome address, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abbas, Dean, CCSIS-IoBM, welcomed the guests and presented an overview of the Summit.
During the session, panelists explored AI-powered governance and the future of cyber security, with discussion questions covering the current state of AI, cyber security, emerging technologies, awareness around cyber security, and privacy and consensus-building. Panelists discussed the strategic future of cyber security and AI, along with the operational factors and challenges involved, and were of the view that adopting AI is no longer optional but mandatory. They reached a common consensus that innovation must be implemented responsibly, with people made aware of how to use AI tools effectively and how to acquire complete, reliable data. They stressed the need for skilled employees, noting that humans who work in collaboration with AI will outpace those who remain unfamiliar with it, and discussed the current state of AI, the threats it presents, and the ways it is transforming industries. On cyber security specifically, panelists agreed it is a threat the entire world is facing and one that urgently needs to be addressed.
The Cyber Security Summit 2026 provided a valuable platform for academia and industry to come together, reinforcing IoBM’s commitment to preparing students and professionals for the security challenges of an increasingly AI-driven future.
Closing Ceremony
The Closing Ceremony of TechNova’26 was honored by the gracious presence of IoBM President, Mr. Talib Syed Karim, who attended as the Chief Guest and celebrated the achievements of the event’s talented participants.
TechNova’26 was proudly sponsored by Beenco Labs, Meezan Investments, Jaffer Brothers, and the IEEE Education Society Karachi Section, with Express News serving as the media partner, providing comprehensive coverage of the event.
With participation from 36 institutions and a diverse portfolio of future-focused competitions and discussions, including the Cyber Security Summit 2026, TechNova’26 has further established itself as a significant technology and innovation platform in Karachi. The event continues to connect emerging talent, create opportunities for collaboration, and inspire students to explore new frontiers in technology and entrepreneurship.
