Startup Weekend Lahore 2025 returned to energize the city’s innovation ecosystem, hosted by the Center for Digital Assets Research (CeDAR) at LUMS. Held from November 7 to 9, the three-day event revolved around the theme FutureTech — spotlighting Blockchain, Web3, Fintech, AI, Open Banking, and Digital Inclusion. The 54-hour innovation marathon brought together entrepreneurs, developers, designers, and thought leaders for an immersive experience of idea pitching, team building, prototyping, and final presentations.
The opening night on Friday sparked creative momentum as 33 rapid-fire pitches were delivered within an hour, forming 14 diverse teams ready to transform concepts into viable startup ideas. Over the weekend, participants collaborated intensively to refine solutions, validate business models, and build prototypes, supported by feedback from mentors and industry experts.
Startup Weekend Lahore 2025 attracted a strong lineup of ecosystem leaders. Notable guests included Jazib Zahir, Director, LUMS Centre for Entrepreneurship (LCE); Shahid Hussain, Rector LUMS; Ali Hammad Akbar, Faculty Member at UET; Hamza Khan, Regional Operations Head at Binance; and Farhan Qureshi, CEO & Co-Founder of Winston Technology Zone. Their presence underscored the event’s growing influence as a key platform for innovation and entrepreneurial learning.
Mentorship remained a cornerstone of the weekend, with guidance provided by prominent figures such as Ali Khan from AS Legal, Ahsan Saleem of Confiz, Osman Nasir from NASTP, Zoha Waqas of Playpreneur, Mohsin Hafeez from Fasset, Dr. Salman Iqbal of Denovonet, and Abbas Yusufzai, Entrepreneur. Their contributions helped shape the development of the participating teams’ ideas from early-stage concepts to practical, investor-ready solutions.
The judging panel brought together leaders from Pakistan’s finance, technology, and startup sectors. Judges included Akif Saeed, Chairman SECP; Mujahid Ali, CIO Allied Bank; Nofel Daud, CDO Bank of Punjab; Muhammad Raza, Group Head Customer Support, Meezan Bank; Badar Khushnood, Co-Founder Bramerz; Murad Akhtar, CEO Tintash; Khurram Zafar, CEO PMEX; and Ahrar Naqvi, Founder Ebryx. Their evaluation and insights provided participants with strategic direction and critical validation for their ventures.
Among the standout teams, NovatraPay emerged as the winner for its digital wallet solution designed to empower gig workers and small vendors with financial identity and inclusive payment options. CommitteeAuntie, the first runner-up, impressed with its decentralized, reputation-based committee management platform powered by fraud-proof smart contracts and a proprietary trust score system called SaharaScore. The second runner-up, AgroChar, introduced an eco-friendly, blockchain-tracked coal alternative for sustainable energy and transparent supply chains.
The closing evening blended inspiration with celebration, featuring final pitches, motivational talks, an award ceremony, and networking over dinner. Participants departed with not only new connections but also tangible roadmaps for incubation, funding, and product development.
Startup Weekend Lahore 2025 successfully reinforced its legacy as a launchpad for innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial growth. Through community-driven learning and creative exploration, the event demonstrated how Pakistan’s emerging innovators are shaping the future of technology and contributing to the nation’s expanding digital economy.
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