Karachi, Pakistan – September, 2024 – CIRCLE Women Association, in partnership with Hugo Bank and Unilever Pakistan, successfully concluded the National Finale of She Loves Tech 2024. The renowned competition, which celebrates women-led tech startups worldwide, showcased the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial acumen of Pakistan’s female innovators.
Held at Unilever Pakistan Ltd, Avari Towers, the finale featured a competitive lineup of eight promising startups. These startups pitched their groundbreaking ideas to a panel of esteemed judges, vying for the grand prize of 300,000 PKR and the second-place award of 150,000 PKR sponsored by Unilever Pakistan.
Unilever Pakistan, as a trusted sponsor, is committed to creating an enabling ecosystem for women and supporting innovation and creativity in all forms. The company’s dedication to empowering women-led startups is evident in its ongoing efforts to provide mentorship, resources, and market access.
Sadaffe Abid, Founder and CEO of CIRCLE Women Association, emphasized the significance of She Loves Tech in Pakistan’s tech landscape. “Given the country’s gender gap and 1% representation of women in entrepreneurship, this platform is crucial for empowering female innovators,” she stated. “CIRCLE’s mission aligns with fostering a more inclusive and successful nation through women’s leadership in technology.”
“It has been a tremendous honor to support ‘She Loves Tech’ in Pakistan over the past eight years. This year, as the CEO of HugoBank, I am especially proud to sponsor the finals and witness the sophistication and innovation of the ideas being presented. The energy and creativity of these women-led startups are truly inspiring, and we are excited to be part of this journey toward a more inclusive and innovative future for Pakistan.”
The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Ishrat Hussain a well renowned economist, also served as dean of IBA, governor of state bank, former advisor to PM on Institutional Reforms and Austerity. Atyab Tahir, CEO and Co-Founder of Hugo Bank, and Sadaffe Abid. A distinguished panel of judges, including Misbah Naqvi,Co-Founder & CEO – Invest2Innovate) and Habibullah Khan, CEO -Penumbra), Shaista Ayesha, CEO – Seed Ventures, Naz Khan, PFC – IFC and Ali Rashid, Chairman – Discover Group & Spokesperson – Government of Sindh, assessed the 8 selected startups’ pitches. These startups include Code School, EPO, TB AI, Agri Gel, Eco Bricks, Salam Kids, Be Me and Kangroo Care AI.
Kangroo Care AI, a startup dedicated to improving neonatal healthcare, took home the top prize of 300,000 PKR at She Loves Tech’2024. Agri Gel, a company developing sustainable agricultural solutions, was awarded second place and received 150,000 PKR. These startups showcase Pakistan’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape and its potential to drive innovation across various sectors.The event also attracted a significant audience of media representatives, influencers, and key ecosystem builders, who celebrated the growth of technology and the vital role of women in its development.
ADVERTISEMENT
