In a momentous event, Innovation Challenge Futuremakers (ICF), Pakistan’s pioneering Fast-Track Acceleration Program for Persons with Disabilities, recently hosted its Demo Day, spotlighting the ingenuity and potential within the disability community. The program, a collaboration between Sightsavers and DeafTawk and funded by Standard Chartered Foundation, is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs with disabilities and fostering inclusivity within the startup ecosystem.

Eight startups from Cohort 2 took the stage, presenting revolutionary ideas that underscored the significant contributions individuals with disabilities can make to Pakistan’s startup landscape. Spanning diverse sectors like e-commerce, ed-tech, artificial intelligence, and health-tech, these innovative ventures not only showcased entrepreneurial spirit but also demonstrated how they aim to address real-world challenges.

Within its first eight months, ICF successfully accelerated 16 startups, with 35 entrepreneurs, highlighting the program’s commitment to diversity and gender inclusion, as 33% of the startups are led by women entrepreneurs. The overwhelming response, with over 320 applications from across Pakistan for both cohorts, attests to the program’s rapid success and the remarkable talent within the disability community.

Throughout the acceleration program, startups benefit from a custom-designed curriculum, mentorship, access to investment and networking opportunities, marketing and PR support, entrepreneurship toolkits, and the chance to attend global tech conferences.

Ali Shabbar, CEO of DeafTawk, expressed his delight, stating, 

“Watching the ICF program evolve from a mere idea to empowering 35 entrepreneurs with disabilities is truly special. We look forward to continuing with the same momentum and taking this initiative to the next level.”

Due to the tremendous success witnessed over two cohorts, Sightsavers announced the extension of the ICF program for an additional three years. The announcement was made by Munazza Gillani, Country Director of Sightsavers Pakistan, during the Demo Day. She emphasized Sightsavers’ commitment to supporting youth with disabilities in becoming part of the startup ecosystem, aiming to support at least 45 to 50 startups in the next three years.

Tasneem Mirza, Associate Director at Standard Chartered Bank, congratulated the startups and announced seed funding of four million on behalf of Standard Chartered, highlighting the impactful ideas addressing real-life problems.

Ajmal Anwar Awan, Member International Coordination at the Ministry of IT & Telecom, commended the initiative, stating, 

“ICF plays a pivotal role in uplifting the technology ecosystem and significantly contributes to the nation’s growth and innovation.”

ICF’s Demo Day marks a significant stride toward building an inclusive startup ecosystem in Pakistan, empowering entrepreneurs with disabilities to lead in innovation, problem-solving, and economic contribution.