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Monday, February 10, 2025

HEC’s ICE25 Connects Startups with Investors

Islamabad (TDI): The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan successfully organized the Investor Connect Event (ICE25) in Islamabad on Tuesday, drawing a dynamic mix of investors, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, policymakers, and the promising startups.

The event served as a platform for fostering collaborations, exploring investment opportunities, and shaping the future of startup ecosystem in Pakistan.

The forum reinforced Pakistan’s position as an emerging hub for innovation and investment, setting the stage for continued development in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

One of the event’s notable highlights was the Investor Pitches, where 5 high-potential startups presented their ground-breaking ideas to the audience of seasoned investors.

These pitches facilitated important discussions on investment viability, innovation scalability, and market potential, fostering tangible opportunities for early-stage startups.

In total, more than fifty potential startups were showcased before the industry professionals, and venture capitalists.

Renowned academician, scholar and former Executive Director HEC Dr. Sohail Naqvi attended as the chief guest in the opening ceremony.

In his address, Dr. Naqi said that universities serve as the core institutions for driving change and development in society.

“Universities must act as engines of growth, harness the transformative power of innovation-led technology and tailor it to their region’s specific needs to drive meaningful progress and sustainable development.

Nevertheless innovation, by its very nature, needs individuals to challenge conventional norms and think out of the box, he said.

Dr. Sohail Naqvi said that while research lays the foundation for discovery, its application is equally essential.

“Practical implementation of research findings ensures that knowledge is not lilmited to academic circles but contributes meaningfully to economic and technological development.

For innovation to flourish, people must be given the freedom and space to explore, experiment, and create without unnecessary constraints, he added.

In his welcome address, Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed extended a warm welcome to the participants.

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He highlighted the journey of HEC’s efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurship culture in the higher education sector.

He said that HEC, in partnership with all stakeholders, is determined to encourage and facilitate the development of entrepreneurial ecosystem in Pakistan.

Dr. Mukhtar expressed optimism that this event would serve as a major milestone in laying the foundation for a transformative shift in the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, bringing creativity, collaboration, and sustainable growth.

Collaboration Key to Sustainable Innovation

World Bank’s Country Director for Pakistan Najy Benhassine, during his remarks said that the potential for innovation and economic development exists, but it can only be fully realized by effectively linking key stakeholders.

“Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for creating an ecosystem where ideas can evolve into successful ventures. However, for progress to be meaningful, it must also be enduring. True, long-term development comes not just from existing industries but from the emergence of new companies that offer fresh ideas, solutions, and opportunities to the market.”

He hoped that this event will support emerging entrepreneurs, providing them with the resources, guidance, and investment required to turn their visions into reality.

Also Read: HEC Urges Sindh CM to Halt Varsities Law Amendment

An insightful keynote by Dr. Naveed Ahmed Sherwani, CEO of RapidSilicon on “Pakistan’s Startup Landscape – Opportunities and Challenges”, highlighted emerging investment trends and the potential for high-growth startups in Pakistan by comparing it with international benchmarks.

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