Karachi, Pakistan – 22 November 2024 – The National Incubation Center Karachi (NIC Karachi) wrapped up Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024, a five-day celebration of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Packed with over 14 events, GEW 2024 was a testament to NIC Karachi’s commitment to empowering startups, promoting collaboration and building a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. With more than 400 participants, including startup founders, students and industry experts, this week-long extravaganza left a lasting impact and created an unmissable buzz in the startup community.
Kicking Off with a Focus on Learning and Refinement
GEW 2024 began with an engaging session on ‘Mastering Your Pitch’ by Saqib Intizar, City Lead & Ambassador – Karachi (Regional Head) at Enablers followed by Pitch Fest S1E1, where five startups, including NIC Karachi’s Cohort 12 incubatees, presented their ideas to a panel of trainers and received valuable 1:1 consultations. Saqib and Syed Wajahat, Founder of The Learning Pitch, judges for the day, provided in-depth feedback, enabling participants to refine their presentations and strategies. The day set a collaborative tone for the week, with 30+ attendees actively learning from expert insights.
Inspiring Global Perspectives and Embracing Feedback
The second day featured an interactive session with Cheryl Edison, globally renowned Startup Ecosystem Developer, hosted in partnership with the U.S. Consulate Karachi. More than 50 attendees, including students from the University of Turbat, gained international insights into building thriving ecosystems.
Later in the day, Pitch Fest S1E2 saw eight Startup Founders take the stage, with some leveraging feedback from Day 1 to improve their pitches. Judges Muhammad Furqan Karim Kidwai, Amin, and Samar Godil evaluated their presentations, showcasing the power of iterative learning and growth.
Igniting Young Minds and Creativity
Day 3 welcomed 130+ students from Habib Public School, NJV Govt. Higher Secondary School and Roots Millennium Schools & Colleges – TME for an inspiring session, ‘Think Like an Entrepreneur’, by Muhammad Furqan Karim Kidwai, Founder of ASF Tech Partners. The session sparked entrepreneurial thinking among young attendees.
The Student Startup Market showcased handmade products, including paintings, pottery and furniture, from NJV students, demonstrating the potential of grassroots entrepreneurship. The day concluded with Pitch Fest S1E3, where 10 founders pitched their innovative ideas to Nidhal Shaikh, CMO of Grand Gangsta City, who provided expert feedback to further refine their ventures.
Empowering Future Changemakers
The fourth day was a hub of creativity and collaboration, with 130+ students from SZABIST, ICE Karachi and NED University attending a session on Effectuation Thinking, led by Andeel Ali, Head of Planning and Development at NIC Karachi. This session encouraged participants to embrace entrepreneurial strategies and tackle challenges innovatively.
The Student Startup Market continued to captivate audiences and Pitch Fest S1E4 brought together over 10 startups eager to level up their pitching skills. Founders walked away with actionable feedback to improve their presentations and ideas.
Capping Off the Week with Vision and Growth
GEW 2024 culminated in a powerful session by Mr. Amer Hashmi, Founder of Exage and Former Chairman of STZA, on ‘Why Technology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship are Vital for Pakistan’s Economic Development.’ The 50+ attendees were captivated by his vision for leveraging technology parks and innovation to drive Pakistan’s economic growth.
The day’s energy carried into the Guruji Baithak, an informal yet transformative session led by Waqar Ali, in collaboration with the School of Leadership. Over 30 participants explored self-belief and personal growth, leaving inspired to face challenges with renewed confidence.
A Celebration of Innovation and Ecosystem Building
GEW 2024 showcased NIC Karachi’s dedication to creating opportunities for startups, fostering innovation and building connections between entrepreneurs and industry experts. From expert-led sessions to creative markets and inspiring keynotes, the week embodied the entrepreneurial spirit and strengthened the startup ecosystem.
Syed Azfar Hussain, Project Director at NIC Karachi, remarked, “Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024 was not just a celebration; it was a movement to empower startups, inspire innovation and drive Pakistan’s entrepreneurial future. The energy and creativity we witnessed this week are unmatched. Initiatives like GEW are vital for fostering collaboration and growth in Pakistan’s tech ecosystem. We’re proud to have created a platform that inspires action and enables startups to thrive.”
NIC Karachi remains committed to empowering entrepreneurs and invites innovators and visionaries to join its future initiatives. Stay tuned for more impactful events that shape the entrepreneurial landscape of Pakistan!
About NIC Karachi
The National Incubation Center Karachi, managed by LMKT in collaboration with YB Group and Orbit Startup and supported by Ignite, is Pakistan’s largest tech incubator and startup accelerator. NIC Karachi is dedicated to empowering startups through mentorship, training, and funding opportunities, helping them succeed locally and globally.