The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi’s Center for Entrepreneurial Development (IBA-CED) commemorated Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024 with a series of engaging events from November 21 to November 23 at its Main Campus. Under the theme ‘Entrepreneurship Is For Everyone,’ the celebrations brought together a diverse audience, including students, faculty, industry experts, investors, and entrepreneurs, to promote a culture of innovation and inclusivity.

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Opening Ceremony Sets the Tone

Dr S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director of IBA Karachi, inaugurated the event, commending IBA-CED’s leadership in entrepreneurial development. “IBA-CED has become a hub for entrepreneurial expertise, fostering innovation and driving impactful change,” he said. Dr Lalarukh Ejaz, Director of IBA-CED, welcomed attendees, emphasizing, “Entrepreneurship is a state of mind, and it is all about out-of-the-box thinking.”

Highlights of GEW 2024

The week featured four signature events:

E-Connect: The first day’s flagship event included two dynamic panel discussions, a Fireside Chat, and the launch of Pakistan’s first university-based angel investor network. The discussions focused on sustainable impact and early-stage innovation, while the Fireside Chat offered insights into the triumphs and challenges faced by entrepreneurs. Attendees were deeply engaged, gaining valuable insights into Pakistan’s startup ecosystem.
I-Bazaar: This marketplace showcased 36 innovative student startups across four categories: Innovative Solutions, Green Ventures, Crafts and Beyond, and Taste Treasures. E-Connect panelists visited the stalls, providing feedback and mentoring the young entrepreneurs, adding a practical dimension to the showcase.
Interactive Session with Shark Tank Pakistan Team: On the second day, students had the opportunity to interact with Mr. Rabeel Warraich, Mr. Karim Teli, and Mr. Muhammad Rizwan Siddiqui, the Executive Producer of Shark Tank Pakistan. The session inspired students to think big and consider the potential of their entrepreneurial ideas.
INVENT2024: The week concluded with INVENT2024, Pakistan’s first university-based business plan competition. Startups from across Pakistan competed for cash prizes and incubation opportunities. The winners included:
- First Place: YumKin Foods Pvt Ltd (Faisalabad) – PKR 300,000
- Second Place: Carbo Tech Dynamics (Lahore) – PKR 200,000
- Third Place: NanoDrop (Islamabad) – PKR 100,000

Celebrating Entrepreneurial Spirit

The events concluded with resounding success, reflecting IBA’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and fostering a robust startup ecosystem. GEW 2024 at IBA-CED underscored the institution’s role in empowering innovators and driving economic growth in Pakistan.

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