NIC Karachi proudly marked its presence at KarachiDotAI’s Pitchathon, with Sehrish Riaz, Startup Growth Specialist, participating as a judge to evaluate some of the most promising early-stage startups in Pakistan. The event brought together a diverse group of innovators, each showcasing ideas that ranged from bold technological solutions to practical problem-solving approaches tailored for real-world challenges. Through this engagement, NIC Karachi reinforced its commitment to nurturing emerging founders and connecting them with the mentorship, resources, and networks necessary to build scalable ventures.
The Pitchathon offered a platform for startups to present their concepts to experienced industry professionals, receive constructive feedback, and demonstrate both the creativity and ambition driving Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Sehrish Riaz, in her capacity as judge, emphasized not only the technical and business merits of the ideas but also the founders’ ability to articulate challenges, opportunities, and growth strategies. This approach highlights NIC Karachi’s philosophy of supporting startups with holistic guidance that combines mentorship, practical insights, and structured development pathways.
Participants at the event spanned multiple sectors, reflecting the breadth of innovation emerging from Pakistan’s startup community. From technology-driven solutions to socially impactful initiatives, the startups exhibited strong problem-solution alignment, market awareness, and potential for growth. Such events play a critical role in giving visibility to early-stage ventures, allowing founders to refine their pitches, build confidence, and form connections that could accelerate their journey from concept to market-ready product. NIC Karachi’s involvement underscores the importance of bridging the gap between emerging talent and experienced advisors who can guide them through scaling challenges.
For founders, Pitchathon served as both a testing ground and an opportunity to network with peers, industry leaders, and potential mentors. NIC Karachi encourages startups who participated, as well as others looking to accelerate their growth, to explore opportunities for structured support through programs like Cohort 15. With access to dedicated mentorship, learning resources, and a collaborative community, founders can transform innovative ideas into viable, market-ready ventures. NIC Karachi’s active engagement in events such as KarachiDotAI Pitchathon reinforces its ongoing commitment to shaping a vibrant and sustainable startup ecosystem in Pakistan.
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