The National Science and Technology Park (NSTP) and U.S. Embassy, Pakistan have successfully organized the orientation event for the Rising Stars Startup Competition, aimed at empowering women and minority groups with innovative business ideas. The orientation event was held at NSTP, NUST and was attended by 140 participants, with 70 attending in person and 70 joining online.
The nine-month programme will provide participants with the opportunity to network and receive training from industry experts.
During the orientation event, participants were first introduced to the general details of the programme. Then, an ice-breaking activity in the form of a drum circle was conducted to promote teamwork and collaboration after which, tea was served. Lastly, the participants were given a foundation course in the three key business areas including but not limited to marketing, finance, and more.
The winners of the Rising Stars Startup Competition will receive the Rising Star Award of PKR 1,000,000, with the second and third winners receiving PKR 600,000 and PKR 400,000, respectively. Other awards include the Best Female Team Award, the Regional Winner Award, and the Special Recognition Award for the team with the most outstanding idea.
The programme offers a thriving ecosystem for participants to learn and turn their ideas into successful businesses through working with international experts, mentors, trainers, and investors.
