Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024 at NIC Hyderabad has been a vibrant celebration of innovation, empowerment, and the boundless potential of entrepreneurs. With an array of activities, workshops, and events spread across six days, NIC Hyderabad is showcasing the strength of Hyderabad’s startup ecosystem, leaving an indelible mark on Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape.
The week began with an electrifying opening ceremony led by Sana Shah, NIC Hyderabad’s Project Director, who set the tone by emphasizing the power of ideas and the entrepreneurial potential within every founder. The first day featured an exclusive “Founders Unplugged” session, where alumni from NIC Hyderabad shared candid insights into their journeys, offering invaluable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. This was followed by a spotlight on Pakistan’s “Queens of Commerce,” celebrating female founders who have revolutionized industries with their innovation and perseverance. The day concluded with a meaningful summit on entrepreneurs’ mental health, led by Muneeb ur Rehman, addressing the critical need for resilience and work-life balance in high-pressure entrepreneurial journeys.
As the week progressed, each day brought new and exciting opportunities for learning, networking, and showcasing innovation. On November 15, the spotlight turned to inclusivity and cutting-edge advancements. The day kicked off with the exhilarating Startup Cricket League, a VR-based team competition powered by Mixeal, where founders competed on a virtual pitch, blending the thrill of cricket with entrepreneurial strategy. Later, the State Bank Program for Women Entrepreneurship Day celebrated trailblazing female founders such as Aashi Herbs and Rapid Pay, inspiring participants with stories of resilience and success. A workshop on AI tools for entrepreneurs rounded out the day, equipping attendees with the knowledge to leverage technology for operational efficiency and growth.
The third day of GEW 2024, November 16, was a masterclass in e-commerce and networking. Sheikh Hammad Amjad led the “Startup Foundry” workshop, offering participants practical insights into building and scaling their e-commerce businesses. The day concluded with the “Karobar Katchup,” a casual yet impactful networking event where founders exchanged ideas and formed connections in a relaxed setting.
On November 17, NIC Hyderabad pulled out all the stops for the grand finale of GEW 2024. The day started with a Digital Brand Building Masterclass by Muhammad Ghayas Uddin of Valeem, revealing the secrets to creating a compelling online presence that resonates with audiences. The vibrant Startup Expo followed, showcasing groundbreaking solutions from NIC Hyderabad’s most innovative startups. The week culminated in a memorable closing ceremony, where outstanding achievements were celebrated, workshop graduates were recognized, and the coveted Entrepreneur of the Week award was presented.
The celebration extended into November 18, with a unique twist that merged technology and cricket. In collaboration with Mixeal, NIC Hyderabad presented the Final Overs League, a startup showdown like no other. Entrepreneurs swapped their presentation slides for VR cricket bats, competing to hit their business goals for a six in a thrilling blend of strategy and sport.
As if that wasn’t enough, November 19 added a global dimension to GEW 2024 with an exclusive virtual session featuring Cheryl Edison, a renowned business strategist. Partnering with the US Consulate Karachi, NIC Hyderabad provided entrepreneurs with deep insights into international market strategies, innovative business models, and the art of establishing a global presence, ensuring participants were equipped to take their startups to the next level.
From empowering women entrepreneurs and showcasing technological innovation to fostering global connections, NIC Hyderabad’s GEW 2024 was a resounding success. It highlighted the organization’s commitment to building a thriving startup ecosystem in Hyderabad and creating opportunities for growth, collaboration, and innovation. This weeklong celebration proved that NIC Hyderabad is not just a hub for startups but a catalyst for transformative change in Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape.
