Hyderabad, Pakistan – November 22, 2024 – NIC Hyderabad successfully hosted Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024, a four-day celebration of innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial excellence. Designed to equip founders with insights, skills, and connections, the week brought together startup leaders, students, and industry pioneers for an exciting lineup of workshops, discussions, and networking events.
A Dynamic Kickoff with Inspiration and Insights
GEW 2024 commenced with an energizing Opening Ceremony, setting the tone for a week of learning and collaboration. Founders from Pak Bio Energy, Chaloo, Sab Bachao, Aashi Herbs, and Order Ms took the stage for a TED Talk-style session, sharing their journeys from ideation to impact. Their stories of perseverance and success resonated with aspiring entrepreneurs, reinforcing the power of innovation.
The day continued with ‘Queens of Commerce: Female Founders Rewriting Business Rules,’ a power-packed panel discussion featuring trailblazing women entrepreneurs Laraib Fatima, Nadia Patel, Amney, and Kanwal C&C, moderated by Shahzana Memon. Attendees gained invaluable insights into navigating challenges and breaking barriers in the business world.
To promote well-being among entrepreneurs, the Entrepreneurs’ Mental Health Summit, led by Muneeb ur Rehman, addressed stress management and work-life balance strategies. Meanwhile, the Internship Area launched a three-day initiative, connecting university students with internship opportunities at NIC startups.
Day 2: Collaboration, Innovation, and AI for Startups
The second day kicked off with the Startup Cricket League – Mixeal, a high-energy sports event that fostered teamwork and camaraderie among founders.
In the afternoon, Women Entrepreneurship Day, hosted in collaboration with State Bank of Pakistan, spotlighted women-led ventures, driving conversations around financial inclusion and business growth.
An exclusive virtual session with Cheryl Edison, an international startup ecosystem expert, was organized in partnership with the U.S. Consulate. Startups gathered for an interactive screening, gaining global insights on scaling and sustaining ventures.
The day concluded with an insightful workshop, “AI Tools for Entrepreneurs”, where Adnan Ashraf introduced AI-driven solutions for business optimization, automation, and scalability.
Day 3: E-Commerce Strategies & Strengthening Networks
With a dedicated focus on e-commerce, Day 3 featured the ‘Startup Foundry’ workshop, led by Sheikh Hammad Amjad, providing a roadmap for startups to scale their online businesses and maximize sales.
Networking took center stage with Karobar Katchup, a highly anticipated founders’ meetup, where startup leaders engaged in meaningful conversations, exchanged experiences, and explored collaborations.
Day 4: Branding, Recognition, and the Grand Finale
The final day emphasized digital brand building, with Ghayas (Valeem) leading a masterclass on crafting compelling online identities. Founders walked away with actionable strategies to enhance their digital presence and customer engagement.
The Closing Ceremony honored participants who completed all workshops with certificates of completion, recognizing their commitment to growth. The prestigious ‘Entrepreneur of the Week’ Award was presented to a standout innovator, applauding their remarkable contributions throughout GEW 2024.
Simultaneously, the Startup Expo buzzed with activity as NIC startups showcased their cutting-edge products and solutions to industry professionals, investors, and potential customers—providing a launchpad for visibility and partnerships.
Fostering an Ecosystem of Growth and Innovation
Reflecting on the week’s success, NIC Hyderabad reaffirmed its mission to nurture entrepreneurial talent and drive innovation. GEW 2024 was more than just an event; it was a movement—fueling creativity, resilience, and strategic growth in Pakistan’s startup landscape.
NIC Hyderabad remains dedicated to supporting visionary entrepreneurs. Stay tuned for upcoming initiatives designed to propel startups toward success!
