The Centre for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) at IBA Karachi celebrated Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024 with an exciting lineup of events from November 21 to 23, bringing together a dynamic mix of students, faculty, industry experts, investors, and aspiring entrepreneurs under the theme, “Entrepreneurship is for everyone.”
Dr. S. Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director of IBA, inaugurated the event, emphasizing the growing preference of students for entrepreneurship over traditional corporate careers. Dr. Lalarukh Ejaz, Director of IBA- Centre for Entrepreneurial Development, welcomed participants and highlighted the range of activities planned to inspire and support entrepreneurial ventures.
Day 1: E-Connect and the Launch of Angel Investor Network
The first day kicked off with E-Connect, which featured:
- Panel Discussions on sustainable impact and early-stage innovation.
- A fireside chat exploring the successes and challenges of entrepreneurial journeys.
- The launch of Pakistan’s first university-based angel investor network, a groundbreaking initiative to support budding entrepreneurs.
Prominent speakers such as Jehan Ara (CEO, Catalyst Lab), Azima Dhanjee (CEO, ConnectHear), Ayesha Mian (CEO, Synapse), and Khaqqan Sikander (CEO, NayaJeevan) provided invaluable insights into the startup ecosystem, captivating the audience with their expertise.
Simultaneously, I-BAZAAR, a vibrant marketplace of 36 innovative student startups, showcased creative products and ideas, fostering a spirit of enterprise.
Day 2: Shark Tank Pakistan Interactive Session
The second day offered an exclusive interactive session with Shark Tank Pakistan, where students engaged directly with the Sharks. The dialogue gave participants an opportunity to pitch ideas, learn from seasoned investors, and receive constructive feedback on their entrepreneurial concepts.
Day 3: INVENT2024 Business Plan Competition
The highlight of GEW 2024 was INVENT2024, Pakistan’s premier university-based business plan competition. Ten shortlisted startups, carefully selected from across Pakistan, competed for top honors.
- YumKin Foods Pvt Ltd (Faisalabad) clinched first place, earning a cash prize of Rs300,000.
- Carbo Tech Dynamics (Lahore) secured second place, taking home Rs200,000.
- NanoDrop (Islamabad) claimed third, winning Rs100,000.
The winners also earned a one-year incubation opportunity at IBA-CED, providing them with mentorship, resources, and support to scale their ideas into successful ventures.
A Celebration of Innovation and Collaboration
The event was a resounding success, reflecting IBA-CED’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and fostering innovation. GEW 2024 not only provided a platform for emerging startups to shine but also strengthened the entrepreneurial ecosystem by bridging the gap between academia and industry.
IBA-CED continues to position itself as a pioneer in entrepreneurship education, empowering students and aspiring innovators to lead with confidence and creativity.
