Lahore: Punjab Minister for Higher Education & Information Technology (IT) Raja Yassir Humayun on Wednesday (November 10) announced that 20 startups were selected to participate in Dubai Expo 2020 through Startup Punjab Portal developed by Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), according to news sources.
Minister Humayun, in a press conference at the Directorate Geaneral Public Relations (DGPR), disclosed that all the startups were selected through a transparent system with respect to their growth, potential impact, investment readiness, startup domain, and revenue. He further added that the strength and presentation skills of the team were also considered. The press conference was attended by PITB DG e-Governance Sajid Latif and Chairman PITB Azfar Manzoor.
Sharing more details about the startups, it was revealed that the registration started on September 30, 2021, and a total of 311 applications were received; out of which, 20 were shortlisted. It was announced that startups will showcase their products from November 16 to 28.
Moreover, other activities will include MoU signing with Dubai-based organisations for supporting startups in Punjab, South Asia’s New Hub of ICT – Punjab, Pakistan, Startup Exhibition & Startup Moot, Panel discussions on Startup Ecosystem, the launch of Startup Punjab Portal, and a seminar on ‘Showcasing Strengths & Opportunities in ICT Sector of Punjab’.
Reportedly, Dubai Expo 2020 started on October 1 and will conclude on March 31, 2022. For the next six months, Pakistan participants will be showcasing their ideas in a bid to attract financing. For November, Punjab will exhibit Startup Ecosystem under the theme ‘Startups & Innovation’.
It is pertinent to mention that Startup Punjab is an online portal being introduced to bridge the gap between Pakistani startups and International stakeholders under ‘Invest in Punjab, Buy from Punjab, and Work for Punjab.’ The portal will be launched soon by Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar.
Iqra holds BS in International Relations and is passionate about writing engaging content on trending real estate topics. When not working, she is either spending time with family, shopping, or discussing shows & movies.
