Subhan

Google Cloud Ignites Pakistan’s Startup Ecosystem at Grand Finale of its Startup Competition 2024 27th July 2024, Karachi, Pakistan: 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. “BOP takes immense pride in empowering entrepreneurs and founders by offering unparalleled opportunities like this one and its support for various such endeavours in the past 3 years is a testament to this. Hosting Pakistan’s inaugural Google Cloud Startup Competition underscores our dedication to strengthening the startup ecosystem in this region. I congratulate the winners for showcasing their exceptional talent, and we remain committed to providing impactful platforms and services that support startups both locally and globally,” said Mr. Zafar Masud, President & CEO of Bank of Punjab. The Finals were a part of a larger celebration of technology and innovation at the annual I/O Extended Karachi.  There, Janise Tan, Head of Developer Ecosystem, Southeast Asia & South Asia Frontier at Google, delivered a keynote including highlights from Google I/O conference from May 2024. A key focus was Google’s latest Gemini releases including 1.5 Pro and 1.5 Flash, emphasising its potential to empower developers and startups in building innovative solutions. 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. An upcoming Google for Startups AI Academy for Asia Pacific was also announced, whereby Pakistani startups in the AI space will be eligible to be selected as part of the inaugural cohort that will cover responsible AI and provide access to Google’s ecosystem of experts and technologies. The chosen team will be a part of an APAC startup cohort with a 3-month program. The majority of the program will be online, with an on-site three-day bootcamp in Singapore, which plays host to a startup ecosystem hub with over 4,500 startups, 500 VCs and 220 accelerators and incubators. 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

National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation, Allied, and Tech Valley Announce Intent to Form Joint Venture for Made in Pakistan Chromebook Assembly Line Islamabad, Pakistan – June 25, 2024 – National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), Allied, an Australian-based manufacturer of Chromebooks and Gaming PCs, and Tech Valley have announced their intent to form a joint venture to establish a Google Chromebook assembly line in Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The aim of this venture is to provide equitable access to education for all, following the National Education Emergency declared for out-of-school children by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The Letter of Understanding (LoU) expressing their shared intention to establish the joint venture was signed in the presence of the Federal Minister of Education and Professional Training, Pakistan and representatives from Google for Education.  The Federal Minister of Federal Education and Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, expressed strong support for the initiative. “Through this partnership, we can create Chromebooks customized for our education budget, empowering our youth with this transformative technology. I am confident that this partnership will not only equip our schools with affordable Chromebooks but will also unlock unimaginable scale and the government is here to support.” This initiative aligns directly with the Federal Government’s focus on advancing Pakistan’s economy and its technological advancements, particularly in education, echoing the priorities set forth by the Prime Minister. Colin Marson, Director, Google for Education JAPAC said, “We are excited to witness the announcement of local Chromebook manufacturing in Pakistan. This initiative aligns with our commitment to supporting equitable access to quality learning for children across the globe. We believe that technology, when harnessed effectively, can be a powerful catalyst for educational transformation.” Farhan S. Qureshi, Google Pakistan’s country director, added “This partnership highlights the important role that technology and digital accessibility play in addressing the educational challenges in Pakistan. Google is committed to doing its part to help support Pakistan’s education ecosystem, including through local assembly of Chromebooks, which we hope can also help contribute to Pakistan’s growing digital exports.”  The envisioned joint venture would focus on setting up and operating an assembly line for Chromebooks at NRTC’s facilities in Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and later on explore possibilities of manufacturing Chromebooks in Pakistan. Each party would contribute their expertise, technology, and market knowledge to ensure the venture’s success.  “We are excited about the potential of partnering with Allied and Tech Valley on this project,” said Muhammad Asim Ishaque, Managing Director of NRTC Haripur. “This joint venture has the potential to create jobs, stimulate the local economy, and play a vital role in bridging the digital divide within Pakistan.” Aron Saether-Jackson, Chief Executive Officer, Allied, expressed the company’s interest, stating, “Allied is committed to supporting the development of Pakistan’s education sector. This potential joint venture presents a fantastic opportunity to equip Pakistani students with affordable and high-quality Chromebooks.” Tech Valley, as a Google for Education Partner in Pakistan, will play a critical role in this joint venture as the system integrator, connecting schools with Chromebooks and providing them training. Umar Farooq, CEO of Tech Valley, echoed the sentiment, adding, “By making Chromebooks more accessible and affordable through local production, we aim to empower Pakistani students with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age. This collaboration marks an important step towards bridging the digital divide and fostering a brighter future for Pakistan’s youth.”

Google partners with the Ministry of Federal Education to bring education access and digital transformation to millions of students Islamabad, Pakistan – June 20th, 2024:  – Google for Education and Pakistan’s Ministry of Federal Education today announced a strategic collaboration to bring digital transformation to millions of students in the country. The partnership will improve access to education and support the development of a digital ecosystem for learning – for Pakistan’s tens of millions of students. Google, through its Google for Education’s country partner, Tech Valley, will work with the Pakistani government to: Establish a local assembly of over 500,000 Chromebooks by 2026 Provide access to digital tools and resources for students and teachers Train teachers on how to use technology effectively in the classroom Develop and implement innovative learning programs that leverage technology The collaboration will focus on helping out-of-school children in Pakistan. Last month, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, declared an “education emergency” to address the issue of over 26 million children being out of school. He pledged to oversee a national program to enroll these children back into educational institutions and expressed his hope for the provincial governments’ support in achieving this goal. As part of the collaboration, Allied, an Australian manufacturer of Google Chromebooks, will establish an assembly line in Pakistan to locally assemble Google Chromebooks, making them more affordable for educational purposes. The goal is to ensure that every student in the country has access to cutting-edge classroom technology, which will enhance their learning experience. Ultimately, Google’s collaboration with the Ministry of Federal Education aims to drive a large-scale digital transformation of Pakistan’s education system, creating smart classrooms and fostering a healthy learning ecosystem. Both partners will work together to empower educators and students, focusing on upskilling, training, and building flexible smart classrooms. Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, emphasized the need for such initiatives and said, “The work Google has been doing in the education sector is highly commendable, and we are here to support its efforts in Pakistan.” He also expressed a strong interest in expanding the collaboration between Google and the Government of Pakistan and requested the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional and the Ministry of IT & Telecom to work closely to identify mutually beneficial synergies.”. Dr. Khalid Maqbool Sidiqqui, Federal Minister of Education and Professional Training, said, “The partnership with Google for Education is a significant step forward in our efforts to provide quality education to all children in Pakistan. “We believe that technology can play a vital role in improving learning outcomes and preparing our students for the future.” Farhan S. Qureshi, Google Pakistan’s country director, says: “This partnership has the potential to transform education in Pakistan for the better, giving millions of students access to education and digital tools that will help them learn better and get ready for the digital economy. Also, creating a local assembly of over 500,000 Chromebooks will help Pakistan’s manufacturing industry grow and attract more investments in technology.” Kevin Kells, Managing Director, Google for Education, adds: “Google for Education offers powerful tools that can support learners in developing some of the key skills they need to thrive; including foundational literacy and cutting edge digital and AI skills. We are proud to be able to support the Government’s mission and help to safely connect Pakistani young people – including out-of-school children – to high quality learning opportunities. Moreover, Google Classroom and Workspace for Education will help teachers have the maximum impact on their students.”

School Education Department Launches Google & Tech Valley’s Digital Safar initiative in Punjab [Lahore, Punjab – 12 June 2024] – The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), the Punjab School Education Department (PSED), and Tech Valley have joined hands to launch the Digital Safar program in Lahore, Punjab. This initiative, inaugurated by the Honorable Minister for School Education Department Punjab, aims to empower the province’s youth with essential digital skills. “We are thrilled to partner with PITB and PSED to launch Digital Safar in Punjab so every student can be more aware about the digital realm and how to leverage it to develop their skills,” said Umar Farooq, CEO Tech Valley.  With the increased internet penetration in Pakistan, there is a pressing need for digital literacy, especially among the younger generation. Digital Safar focuses on two main areas: online safety and coding. The program includes Google’s “Be Internet Awesome,” which educates students on cyberbullying, online security, and digital citizenship through interactive activities. Additionally, “Google CS First” introduces students to coding, enhancing their creativity, problem-solving, and computational thinking skills. Honorable Minister for School Education Department Punjab, Mr. Rana Sikander Hayat appreciated the initiative and said, “This program supports the government’s goal of creating a digitally literate and empowered youth. By teaching online safety and basic coding, we will ensure that Digital Safar fosters responsible digital citizenship and prepares students for future careers in technology.” The launch event featured addresses from key stakeholders, including the Secretary of the School Education Department and the Chairman of the Punjab IT Board. They emphasized the importance of digital skills and their commitment to the program. An orientation session to officially kick-off trainings were also held to equip teachers with the skills needed to deliver the Digital Safar curriculum effectively. The Digital Safar program represents a significant step towards a digitally advanced Punjab, preparing students to become responsible digital citizens and future tech leaders.

Tech Valley Hosts “School in a New Light” Event, Exploring the Future of Education with Google for Education in Karachi On June 7th, 2024, Tech Valley, a Google for Education partner in Pakistan, celebrated the success of their “School in a New Light” event held on June 6th at PC Hotel Karachi. The event brought together leading educators, school administrators, and technology experts to explore how technology can transform the learning experience for students and empower teachers. The agenda featured prominent speakers and insightful discussions. Umar Farooq, CEO of Tech Valley, kicked things off by exploring how Google for Education tools enhance teaching and learning. He showcased practical applications of these tools in real-world classrooms, demonstrating their impact.  Harris Sufian, Country Lead for Google for Education, presented the merits of Chromebooks as the leading device for K12 students. He focused on affordability, security, and the ease of management for schools, making a compelling case for their adoption.  Chris Betcher, a Google for Education representative, delivered a thought-provoking session on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaping the future of education systems. He outlined the potential of AI to personalize learning and increase student engagement, sparking lively discussions. A captivating fireside chat with Ali Ahmad Khan, COO of Beaconhouse School System, a leading Google for Education reference school in Pakistan, was a highlight of the event. Khan shared their experience with implementing Google for Education tools and their vision for the future of education technology. The insights from a successful early adopter like Beaconhouse proved invaluable to the audience. The event culminated with a keynote speech by the Honorable Governor of Sindh, Mr. Kamran Tessori. He emphasized the government’s commitment to improving education standards and acknowledged the transformative potential of technology. Mr. Tessori stressed the importance of collaboration between the government, educators, and technology partners like Google for Education. He highlighted this collaboration as key to creating a brighter future for Pakistani children. The event concluded with a Q&A session and networking opportunities, allowing attendees to delve deeper into the topics discussed and explore potential partnerships. This engaging format fostered a collaborative environment for all participants.

Tech Valley Pakistan and Punjab IT Board Partner to Empower Youth with Google Career Certificates Lahore, Pakistan – 7 May 2024 – Tech Valley Pakistan and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) today announced a collaborative effort to distribute 10,000 scholarships across Punjab for in-demand tech skills training. This initiative focuses on Google Career Certificates (GCC) and Google AI Essentials courses, ensuring participation from underserved areas through partnerships with universities, businesses, and organizations. “This collaboration is a significant step towards bridging the digital skills gap in Punjab,” said Umar Farooq, CEO of Tech Valley Pakistan. “By providing scholarships for Google Career Certificates, we are equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to secure high-growth careers in data analytics, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and artificial intelligence.” Google Career Certificates are designed to prepare learners for entry-level jobs in fast-growing fields. The program recently added new resources to help students understand how professionals in their chosen fields utilize AI and gain hands-on experience applying AI in a workplace scenario. Another new course: Google AI Essentials is a free, self-paced online course taught by Google AI experts. This beginner-friendly program equips individuals across various roles and industries with essential AI skills to boost productivity. The course covers practical applications of AI tools for brainstorming ideas, completing daily tasks faster, and writing effective prompts. Additionally, it emphasizes responsible AI use by teaching learners to identify potential biases. “We are thrilled to partner with Tech Valley Pakistan in this impactful initiative,” said Sajid Latif, Director General of PITB. “By making these valuable courses accessible to a wider audience, we are fostering a future-ready workforce in Punjab and empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to the digital economy.” Following the Google Career Certificates program, the graduates will be enrolled in a Soft Skills program to enhance skills like Communication, Time Management, Personal Branding, and Critical Thinking skills that will be conducted in association with PAFLA – Pakistan Association of Freelancers.  For more information, please visit goo.gle/GCCPK 

Bank of Punjab Join Hands with Google Cloud & Tech Valley as Strategic Partner for Google Cloud Startup Competition Pakistan 2024 [Lahore, Pakistan – May 2, 2024] – Bank of Punjab (BoP) has joined hands with Google Cloud Startup Competition 2024 as its strategic partner which is being organised at national level by Google Cloud Partner Tech Valley and supported by Google Developers Group throughout Pakistan. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the journey to uncover and nurture Pakistan’s most promising tech startups, positioning them prominently on the regional innovation map. “We’re thrilled to welcome Bank of Punjab as a strategic partner for the Google Cloud Startup Competition,” said Umar Farooq, CEO of Tech Valley Pakistan. “This collaboration strengthens our mission to empower Pakistan’s most innovative startups and propel them onto the global stage.” Bank of Punjab (BoP), a champion of Pakistan’s fintech and startup scene, partnered with LUMS and NIC in 2022 to set up the innovation centre and last year launched the nationwide “Sprint Pakistan Powered by digiBOP Program”. BOP sponsored trips of the top 10 Winners to Singapore to participate in Singapore Fintech Festival 2023, which gave them immense pitching, networking and partnering opportunities with Global VCs, Tech companies and Financial Institutions.  “Looking forward to collaborating with Google on cutting-edge technologies like AI and cloud to empower Pakistan’s startups. Besides conventional digital banking products we have a great focus on Banking As A Service, API based banking, Super App journey, Embedded Finance, and developing a Sandbox, which makes Integration and collaboration with Startup & Fintechs easy. Supporting the startup ecosystem is BOP’s key strategic pillar and is also very close to my heart.” Said Imran Ashraf, Head Digital Banking, at Bank of Punjab The Google Cloud Startup Competition Pakistan 2024 invites startups to compete in five key areas: AI, E-commerce, Fintech, Frontier Technologies, and Sustainability. Winners in each track will receive PKR 1 million and connect with VCs.  “Bank of Punjab has a long-standing track record of nurturing Pakistani startups and bringing them to regional markets. We look forward to working together to unearth new talents and enable them with resources to thrive.” said Farhan Qureshi, Country Director, Pakistan, Google.  The Google Cloud Startup Competition Pakistan 2024 has additionally garnered support from various key stakeholders in the startup ecosystem, including sponsors Alethea AI, Tridorian, Aspire, OPEN Silicon Valley and Bookme.  For more information about the Google Cloud Startup Competition Pakistan 2024, please visit techvalley.pk/startupcompetition and submit your application.

Google Cloud announces National Level Startup Competition in Pakistan in collaboration with Tech Valley Pakistan Pakistan, 4 April, 2024: Google Cloud launched its Startup Competition Pakistan 2024 today, which aims to unearth the nation’s most promising tech ventures and empower them to take center stage on the regional innovation map. This inaugural event highlights Google Cloud’s recognition of Pakistan’s immense talent pool and the flourishing opportunities within its local startup ecosystem. Google Cloud’s Startup Competition Pakistan 2024 is designed to identify, showcase, and cultivate innovative entrepreneurial ventures in Pakistan. Startups from across the nation are invited to participate and present their groundbreaking ideas, products, or services to a panel of esteemed judges composed of industry experts, investors, and seasoned entrepreneurs.  “We are thrilled to launch Google Cloud’s Startup Competition Pakistan 2024, a country teeming with talent and ripe with opportunities,” said Farhan Qureshi, Country Director, Pakistan, Google. “Through this initiative, we aim to empower and support the next generation of entrepreneurs who are leveraging Cloud technologies to drive meaningful change and innovation.” The competition will feature five distinct tracks, each focusing on a specific area of innovation including AI & Generative AI, E-commerce & Connectivity, Fintech, Frontier Digital Technologies and Sustainability & Environment Five finalists from each track will be selected on the basis of the strength of the product, market differentiation, growth potential and strength of the team. These finalists will then advance to the Grand Finals to be held in Karachi in late July 2024, where they will pitch before a distinguished panel of judges and industry experts. One winner from each track will be awarded a cash prize of PKR 1 Million, along with exclusive networking opportunities with leading venture capitalists. “This competition serves as a testament to Google Cloud and Tech Valley’s unwavering commitment to supporting and accelerating the growth of Pakistan’s local startup scene,” said Umar Farooq, CEO of Tech Valley. “By supporting startups and fostering innovation, we are helping to drive economic growth and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs in Pakistan.” The competition has garnered support from various key stakeholders in the startup ecosystem, including sponsors Organization of Pakistani Entrepreneurs (OPEN), Aspire, Bookme and Tridorian. It also has the support of Google Developer Groups and key community partners such as Indus Valley Capital, Fatima Gobi Ventures and Katalyst Labs among others. For more information about the Google Cloud Startup Competition Pakistan 2024, please visit techvalley.pk/startupcompetition and submit your application. About Google Cloud: Google Cloud is the new way to the cloud, providing AI, infrastructure, developer, data, security, and collaboration tools built for today and tomorrow. Google Cloud offers a powerful, fully integrated and optimized AI stack with its own planet-scale infrastructure, custom-built chips, generative AI models and development platform, as well as AI-powered applications, to help organizations transform. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner. About Tech Valley: Tech Valley is a leading organization dedicated to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology adoption in Pakistan. With a focus on empowering youth and bridging the digital divide, Tech Valley strives to create sustainable opportunities for economic growth and development in the region. It is the Official Partner for Google Cloud, Google Workspace and Google for Education Partner in Other Asia Pacific Region and Google Cloud & Google Workspace Partner in SEEMEA region as well.