The deadline to register for the Bahria University Startup Competition 2026 closed on September 28, at 12:00 PM, with founders competing for PKR 1 million in total prize money. The competition forms part of the Young CEOs, Entrepreneurs and Innovators Summit, Awards and Expo 2026, also known as YES 2026, which is set to run from October 20 to 22 at Bahria University in Islamabad, with Huawei and HEC among the organizations backing the wider event. 

The prize structure rewards a range of finishers rather than a single winner, with PKR 300,000 for first place, PKR 250,000 for second, PKR 200,000 for third, PKR 150,000 for fourth and PKR 100,000 for fifth. Beyond the cash prizes, participating startups stand to gain direct incubation opportunities at the Bahria Innovation Center and the chance to pitch directly to distinguished industry leaders and investors, giving the competition value that extends beyond the immediate prize money for teams that make it through the rounds.

Entry requires a working prototype or minimum viable product, and organizers have indicated that AI focused startups will be given preference in the selection process, reflecting the broader push across Pakistan’s startup ecosystem toward artificial intelligence ventures. Registration carries a fee of PKR 2,000 per team, and interested founders can apply through the registration form before today’s noon deadline.

Teams that clear registration will move into an initial pitching round on October 13, held in a hybrid format, before advancing to a final pitch on October 20 held on campus at Bahria University’s E-8 campus in Islamabad. The competition is organized by the Bahria Innovation Center at Bahria University, Islamabad, with coordination for the startup competition handled by Dr. M. Usman and expo coordination managed by Dr. Nadia Zahra.

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