Islamabad: Google Cloud, in collaboration with Tech Valley, successfully concluded its
inaugural Startup Competition Pakistan 2024 that saw 700 submissions from over 70 cities, at a
Grand Finale that was held in conjunction with I/O Extended Karachi at IBA Karachi with over
1,300 startups and developers.
“As incubators of innovation, startups possess immense potential to reshape traditional
industries for a digital-first future, creating new economic opportunities for Pakistan. Supporting
the growth of startups has long been a strategic imperative for Google Cloud. By equipping
promising startups with the tools needed to grow and scale, we are making a valuable
investment in Pakistan’s long term prosperity, empowering the country for success in the digital
economy”, said Farhan Qureshi, Regional Director, Google.
The Competition served as a launchpad for innovation, attracting a surge of creative solutions
across five key tracks: AI and Generative AI, Fintech, Sustainability and Environment, E-
commerce and Connectivity, and Frontier Digital Technologies. Startups refined their pitches
and identified areas of improvements through mentoring sessions in major cities of Pakistan.
“This competition has been a testament to the immense potential within Pakistan’s startup
ecosystem. We are thrilled to have partnered with Google Cloud and Bank of Punjab to provide
this platform for our nation’s brightest minds.” said Umar Farooq, CEO of Tech Valley.
The judging panel consisted of leading local and regional VCs including Indus Valley Capital, i2i
Ventures, Sarmayacar, nVentures, Lakson Investments and SEED Ventures. Each winner from
the five competition tracks received a cash prize of 1 million PKR and will be offered mentorship
from senior Google experts to further refine their ideas. The competition also facilitated
connections with leading VCs, opening doors to potential funding. Additionally, all 25 Finalists
were offered mentorship opportunities with industry experts including from Bank of Punjab,
OPEN Silicon Valley and Orbit Startups.
The competition, strategically supported by Bank of Punjab (BOP), solidified their commitment
to fostering Pakistan’s dynamic tech scene.
The success of the Google Cloud Startup Competition Pakistan 2024 was fueled by the support
of the Google Developer Groups Pakistan and technology companies including Platinum
Sponsors Alethea AI and Tridorian, Gold Sponsor Vanar, and Silver Sponsors Aspire,
Bookme.pk, and OPEN Silicon Valley. Additionally, OPEN Silicon Valley extended an invitation
to all finalists for a visit to Silicon Valley, granting them the opportunity to immerse themselves in
the world’s leading tech hub.
Leading up to the Finals, a series of Master Your Pitch events was also organised across April
and May 2024 in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, together with the support of key community
partners including Telenor Velocity, NIC Islamabad, Katalyst Labs and COLABS. Promising
startups got the chance to pitch their businesses to a panel of experts in front of a live audience
and receive valuable feedback.
The Google Cloud Startup Competition follows the expansion of the Google for Startups Cloud
Program to Pakistan whereby nearly 10 incubators, including Ignite – National Technology
Fund’s National Incubation Centers (NICs), are now Ecosystem Partners. Under this
arrangement, their current and alumni bootstrapped startups can benefit from up to US$25,000
in credits, compared to US$2,000 previously.
We are also proud to announce the winners and extend our heartiest congratulations to the
following tracks:
? Sustainability & Environment: Asani
? Fintech: Torque360
? E-commerce & Connectivity: Indolj
? Frontier Digital Technologies: SocialBu
? AI & Gen AI: Adlytic.AI
? People’s Choice Award: Internee.pk.
