Google Cloud’s First Startup Competition in Pakistan

Google Cloud, in partnership with Tech Valley, successfully wrapped up its first-ever Startup Competition Pakistan 2024, drawing 700 submissions from over 70 cities. The Grand Finale, held alongside I/O Extended Karachi at IBA Karachi, attracted more than 1,300 startups and developers, highlighting the growing tech scene in the country.

A Platform for Innovation

The competition served as a launchpad for innovative ideas across five key tracks: AI and Generative AI, Fintech, Sustainability and Environment, E-commerce and Connectivity, and Frontier Digital Technologies. Startups participating in the competition were given the opportunity to refine their pitches and improve their ideas through mentoring sessions held in major cities across Pakistan.

Farhan Qureshi, Regional Director at Google, emphasized the importance of supporting startups in driving Pakistan’s digital future. “Startups have the power to transform traditional industries, creating new economic opportunities for Pakistan. By equipping promising startups with the tools they need to grow, Google Cloud is making a valuable investment in Pakistan’s long-term prosperity,” Qureshi said.

Recognition and Support for Startups

Umar Farooq, CEO of Tech Valley, expressed his excitement about the potential within Pakistan’s startup ecosystem. “This competition has shown the immense talent we have in Pakistan. Partnering with Google Cloud and the Bank of Punjab to provide this platform has been a privilege,” he said.

The competition’s judging panel included prominent local and regional venture capitalists such as Indus Valley Capital, i2i Ventures, Sarmayacar, nVentures, Lakson Investments, and SEED Ventures. Winners from each of the five tracks received a cash prize of 1 million PKR and will be offered mentorship from senior Google experts to help further develop their ideas. Additionally, all 25 finalists were given opportunities for mentorship from industry experts, including those from Bank of Punjab, OPEN Silicon Valley, and Orbit Startups. This support aims to connect startups with leading venture capitalists, opening doors to potential funding and growth opportunities.

Bank of Punjab’s Commitment

The competition was strategically supported by the Bank of Punjab (BOP), reinforcing its commitment to nurturing Pakistan’s dynamic tech landscape. Zafar Masud, President & CEO of Bank of Punjab, highlighted the bank’s dedication to empowering entrepreneurs. “We are proud to support initiatives like this one, which underscore our commitment to strengthening the startup ecosystem in this region. I congratulate the winners for showcasing their exceptional talent, and we will continue to provide platforms that support startups both locally and globally,” Masud said.

Celebration of Technology and Innovation

The Grand Finale was part of a broader celebration of technology at the annual I/O Extended Karachi event. Janise Tan, Head of Developer Ecosystem for Southeast Asia & South Asia Frontier at Google, delivered a keynote that included highlights from the Google I/O conference held in May 2024. Tan discussed Google’s latest Gemini releases, including 1.5 Pro and 1.5 Flash, and their potential to empower developers and startups to build innovative solutions.

The success of the competition was supported by various organizations, including Google Developer Groups Pakistan and technology companies like Alethea AI, Tridorian, Vanar, Aspire, Bookme.pk, and OPEN Silicon Valley. OPEN Silicon Valley extended an invitation to all finalists for a visit to Silicon Valley, offering them a chance to experience the world’s leading tech hub firsthand.

Preparing Startups for Success

Leading up to the Grand Finale, a series of “Master Your Pitch” events were organized in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi throughout April and May 2024. These events, supported by community partners like Telenor Velocity, NIC Islamabad, Katalyst Labs, and COLABS, provided startups with a platform to pitch their ideas to a panel of experts and receive valuable feedback.

The Google Cloud Startup Competition is part of a broader effort to support startups in Pakistan. Following the expansion of the Google for Startups Cloud Program to the country, nearly 10 incubators, including Ignite’s National Incubation Centers (NICs), are now Ecosystem Partners. Under this program, startups can benefit from up to $25,000 in Google Cloud credits.

An exciting development announced during the event was the upcoming Google for Startups AI Academy for Asia Pacific, where Pakistani startups in the AI space can be selected for the inaugural cohort. This three-month program will include a mix of online learning and an on-site bootcamp in Singapore, providing access to Google’s ecosystem of experts and technologies.

Winners Announced

The competition concluded with the announcement of the winners in each track:

• Sustainability & Environment: Asani
• Fintech: Torque360
• E-commerce & Connectivity: Indolj
• Frontier Digital Technologies: SocialBu
• AI & Generative AI: Adlytic.AI
• People’s Choice Award: Internee.pk

The success of the Google Cloud Startup Competition Pakistan 2024 underscores the vibrant and growing startup ecosystem in Pakistan, as well as the commitment of major tech players to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.

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