Pakistan’s entrepreneurial competition, Zindigi Prize, recently concluded its Sindh Regionals at the prestigious Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET). The event saw a massive turnout of innovative minds, with over 95 startups competing for top honors, showcasing the dynamic and ever-growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.Animal Passport, a standout startup from FAST National University of Computing & Emerging Sciences, Karachi, emerged as the winner for their cutting-edge solutions.
The team impressed the judges with their innovation, securing the top spot in the competition. Meanwhile, Internee pk from Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMUI), Karachi, and Calcix International from the University of Karachi were named runners-up, further highlighting the potential and creativity emerging from Sindh’s entrepreneurial hubs.
The Zindagi Prize, with participation from over **160+ universities** across Pakistan, has become a symbol of entrepreneurial growth and ambition in the country. The competition provided a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to compete for seed funding and mentorship opportunities, aiming to drive innovation and economic growth.
The event kicked off with an energized opening ceremony at MUET, setting the stage for three days of intense competition, learning, and collaboration. Day two featured highly engaging workshops on essential topics such as marketing, idea pitching, fundraising, and scaling startups. Participants were also inspired by motivational talks from leading Pakistani entrepreneurs, while a unique Speed Dating session allowed participants to connect directly with industry experts, who provided invaluable feedback on their startup ideas.
Addressing the significance of such initiatives, Tauha Hussain Ali, Vice Chancellor of MUET, remarked, *“The entrepreneurial ecosystem for students is vital for driving innovation and economic growth in Pakistan.
Through the Zindigi Prize, academic institutions are empowering students to create jobs and contribute to the country’s sustainable development, shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs.”Ibtisam Babar, Regional Head of Special Initiatives at Zindigi-JS Bank, added,“We are eager to build connections with a global community of visionaries, promoting collaboration and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs to drive meaningful change. Through the Zindigi Prize, now the largest entrepreneurial platform in Pakistan, we are committed to giving back to society by empowering our most valuable assets—the youth.”
Following the success of the regional events, Zindigi Prize is poised to go global. The competition will soon expand to Kenya, with International Finals set to take place in Islamabad, uniting top entrepreneurs from across the globe. As the first homegrown entrepreneurial platform in Pakistan, Zindigi Prize is set to make waves on the international stage, fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of creating lasting, global impact.
