NSTP, in collaboration with Paklaunch (PL), and the U.S. State Department, hosted a pitching session of the USPWC-Paklaunch Accelerator and a networking session at NSTP, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). The program's primary objective was to empower women entrepreneurs in the country. This exclusive event was honored by the presence of distinguished guests, including the Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Andrew Schoffer, and the esteemed Courtney Powell, Chief Operating Officer of 500 Global. 500 Global, a renowned venture capital firm, manages an impressive portfolio boasting assets under management (AUM) exceeding $2.7 billion. This organization is dedicated to early-stage [...]

The National Science & Technology Park (NSTP) has made significant progress in the second quarter of 2023 in supporting startups and fostering innovation in Pakistan. Through flagship programs like Hatch 8 and the Rising Stars Startup Competition (RSSC), NSTP has provided opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas, learn from experts, and connect with investors. This update highlights some of the key achievements and initiatives of NSTP in the second quarter, demonstrating its leadership and vision in driving entrepreneurship forward. Rising Stars Startup Competition Wrapped Up The Rising Stars Startup Competition, funded by the U.S. Embassy [...]

National Science & Technology Park in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy Pakistan, Pakistan hosted the grand finale event of the Rising Stars Startup Competition at NUST, Islamabad. #RSSC is a startup competition for women and minority entrepreneurs in Pakistan. The final stage featured 26 exceptional teams, selected from over 300+ participants across Pakistan after a comprehensive evaluation process. These teams demonstrated their groundbreaking ideas and entrepreneurial spirit at the Grand Finale. The event also featured an engaging expo, providing a platform for participants to showcase their innovative projects and solutions. The competition had a prize pool [...]

The second phase of the NSTP and the US Embassy's Rising Stars Startup Competition, with Draper University as Knowledge Partner, has concluded on a high note. Participants benefited from a series of enriching training sessions led by esteemed experts from Silicon Valley. Teams have now been shortlisted for the next round of the competition. Entrepreneur Empowerment – Insights from Silicon Valley The training sessions held during the second phase of the Rising Stars Startup Competition proved transformative for the participating startup founders. Led by Silicon Valley experts, the sessions covered crucial topics like business modeling, target [...]

Islamabad, Pakistan - On Thursday, March 30, 2023, the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) welcomed the Chief Secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan, Mr Muhyuddin Ahmad Wani, and a group of provincial secretaries to discuss potential areas of collaboration between NUST and the government of Gilgit-Baltistan. Pro-Rector Research, Innovation & Commercialization AVM Dr Rizwan Riaz SI(M), along with officers and faculty from the National Science & Technology Park, School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences (SINES), Nustainable, and NUST Professional Development Centre- PDC, briefed the delegation on various initiatives and possibilities for collaboration. During the meeting, the Chief [...]

The National Science and Technology Park (NSTP) and the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) have joined hands to enhance financial and digital inclusion in Pakistan. This collaboration aims to contribute to the development of skills and expertise of entrepreneurs, innovators, startups, and SME founders, fostering the kind of creative thinking that leads to innovation and eventual success in the ever-changing market environment of the 21st century. The WBAF Financial Inclusion Programme, a global initiative of WBAF, aims to promote financial inclusion by providing startups and SMEs with access to knowledge, funding, and networks. The NSTP, [...]

During the second week of RSSC, over 70 entrepreneurs partook in the programme, with 50+ participants in Lahore and 25+ in Peshawar, who thoroughly enjoyed the sessions starting with ice-breaker activities on day one. Participants represented various parts of Pakistan, including remote areas and ethnic minorities. Training and workshops were held on a variety of topics to help turn their ideas into successful businesses. The sessions included Idea Validation, Business Model Canvas, Digital Marketing, Media and Analytics, and Communication & Pitching, which were conducted by area experts. The orientation session covered program objectives, goals, deliverables, and [...]