In KPK, Pakistan, on 26th July, the Zindigi Prize, a revolutionary entrepreneurship competition, achieved remarkable success during its KPK Regionals held at the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI). Co-hosted by GIKI, the event emerged as a game-changer in the country’s entrepreneurial landscape, following the resounding success of its regionals in Lahore and Islamabad.
The three-day event at GIKI commenced with an impressive opening ceremony, featuring innovative ideas from young entrepreneurs at the KPK Regional. Workshops, talks by renowned Pakistani entrepreneurs, and Speed Dating sessions enriched the participants’ experience. On the Zindigi Academia Innovation Summit on the final day bridged the gap between academia and the corporate world, with 85 startups showcasing their ideas.
After careful evaluation, the panel of judges declared MUSJ from the University of Engineering and Technology as the winner, with Ootien from Fatima Jinnah Women’s University, Rawalpindi, and Aquadrone from CECOS University, Peshawar securing the runner-up positions.
In his remarks, KPK’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Information Technology, Shahid Khattak, commended the exceptional contributions of the students in addressing societal challenges. He acknowledged their talent as a driving force for positive change in KPK and announced collaborative efforts to expand Zindigi Prize to government educational institutions at all levels, empowering budding entrepreneurs and advancing KPK’s economic progress.
Meena Munawar Khan, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Zindigi expressed their pride in fostering innovation and empowering the next generation of change-makers, as the competition holds a special place in their hearts.
Rector GIKI, Prof. Dr. Fazal Ahmad Khalid, demonstrated unwavering support for initiatives fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. He mentioned that GIKI’s incubation center, The Catalyst, stands as a testament to its commitment to nurturing and uplifting Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape.
The closing ceremony was graced by Chief Guests including Minister ST & IT KPK – Shahid Khattak, Director General DoST – Sajid Shah, Rector GIKI – Prof. Dr. Fazal Ahmad Khalid, and SI Project Director – PM’s Innovation Fund – Abdullah Sommoro.
Zindigi Prize has successfully nurtured the aspirations of budding entrepreneurs through its ecosystem of support, attracting thousands of start-ups from across Pakistan. With the objective of empowering start-ups towards success by providing necessary resources and guidance, the competition has become a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking seed money and invaluable mentorship opportunities.
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