VakıfBank/Üstünsalih: Leading the Industry Through Our Investments in Digitalization and Sustainability

Foreks - The winners of the "Hack to the Future" hackathon, organized by VakıfBank with the vision of shaping the future of banking today, have been announced after a challenging marathon. During the hackathon, which showcased the technology and innovation skills of the youth, the project owners that will bring a fresh perspective to the finance world were rewarded after the jury evaluations.

The winners were announced in the "Hack to the Future" hackathon, launched for the fifth time this year by VakıfBank (IS:VAKBN) to produce innovative solutions focused on sustainability for the future of the banking and finance sector.

Held from December 13 to 15, the hackathon featured themes such as digital banking user experience and design, social responsibility and sustainability, innovative products and services, and next-generation customer communication, with a total of 225 teams competing fiercely, demonstrating the ability to reach the finals. The event took place at the VakıfBank Headquarters located in the Istanbul Financial Center. After the finalist teams presented their projects to the jury members, the winners were determined.

The projects in the finals were evaluated by Prof. Dr. Şahin Albayrak, Prof. Dr. Özer Köseoğlu, technology and entrepreneurship writer Timur Sırt, VakıfBank Deputy General Manager Metin Recep Zafer, and VakıfBank Deputy General Manager Ferkan Merdan. As a result of the evaluations, a total prize of 340,000 TL was awarded to those who ranked in the "Hack to the Future."

"Hack to the Future is not just a competition for us; it is a platform where our vision of being a pioneer in digital transformation meets with the youth."

Speaking at the event, VakıfBank General Manager Abdi Serdar Üstünsalih emphasized that they play a pioneering role in the industry with their investments in digitalization and sustainability. He highlighted the importance of merging VakıfBank’s digital transformation vision with the dynamism of youth, stating, “Technology has become a concept that transforms all norms from the ground up in today’s world. This concept, determining the framework of business culture, has become one of the most significant elements affecting sustainable growth. In a competitive business world, institutions must focus their transformation strategies on digitalization and innovation to stay ahead, access information quickly, and be resilient to crises.”

"As VakıfBank, we are combining digitalization with sustainability and adopting a business culture that will make our organization more flexible and agile. We believe that the creative ideas and energy of the youth play a critical role in the digital transformation of the banking sector. The projects presented in this hackathon we organized with this vision strengthen our goal of developing innovative solutions that contribute to the environment and social life, renewing our hopes for the future."

Indeed, "Hack to the Future" is not just a competition; it is a platform where our vision of being a pioneer in digital transformation meets with the youth. As VakıfBank, we will continue to support the creative projects of young people, as we always have, and together we will achieve greater successes. I would like to thank all the valuable young friends who contribute to the journey of building the future of banking with the projects presented here today. I wholeheartedly believe that, with your ideas, we will push the boundaries of banking and add a new dimension to our sector.”

Hack to the Future Winners The winning projects of the hackathon are as follows: •    Best MVP Award: Kıvılcım Team – Financial Assistant Eva •    Best Social Enterprise Award: Dropout Team – Financial Literacy Mobile Application •    Most Innovative Technological Solution Award: Aticengul Team – Analysis of Customer Emotions with Artificial Intelligence •    Best User Experience Design Award: Altf4 Team – Information Access Chatbot •    Best Global Solution Award: Game Changers Team – Sustainable Project Platform

The grand prize of 100,000 TL for the "Best MVP Award" was given to the Kıvılcım Team, while the other winning teams received a total of 240,000 TL in rewards. Additionally, all teams that reached the finals were awarded 10,000 TL as an incentive prize.