The CITADEL Davos Startup Challenge 2026 is now open, offering Pakistan’s most promising startups a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pitch on the global stage at Davos, Switzerland. Organized by the Pathfinder School of Excellence, CITADEL, in collaboration with the Pakistan IT Industry Association (P@SHA), the competition seeks to identify and accelerate eight high-potential startups from across the country.
The winners will showcase their ventures during the Pakistan Breakfast at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in January 2026, gaining access to international investors, industry leaders, policymakers, and media.
Priority Sectors
The program focuses on startups innovating in the following high-growth sectors:
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- DeepTech / Industry 4.0
- Climate / GreenTech
- AgriTech
- HealthTech
- Fintech
Key Dates
- National Call: September 19 – October 4, 2025
- Pitching Round: October 11, 2025
- Finals: October 25, 2025
Benefits for Startups
Selected startups will gain:
- Global visibility at the prestigious WEF platform.
- Media amplification to showcase their innovation stories.
- Mentorship from seasoned industry leaders.
- Market access opportunities to scale internationally.
The challenge is designed to prepare Pakistani startups for global competitiveness, helping them refine their pitches, validate business models, and engage with international investors.
Speaking about the initiative, the organizers highlighted that the Davos Startup Challenge is more than a competition — it’s a national mission to connect Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem with the global economy.
How to Apply
Interested founders can apply through the official portal: www.CITADELpk.com.
With only a few days left until the application deadline of October 4, 2025, the organizers are urging innovative startups across Pakistan to seize this opportunity to represent the country on the world stage.