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Tech Valley Pakistan X PEF Visit to NRTC to Advance Pakistan’s First Local Chromebook Assembly Line HARIPUR, PAKISTAN – April 14th, 2025 – Tech Valley Pakistan hosted a visit to the National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) in Haripur, welcoming Mr. Shahid Farid, Managing Director of the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF), to review progress on Pakistan’s first local Chromebook assembly line. This landmark initiative is a collaboration between Tech Valley Pakistan, PEF, NRTC, Google, and Allied, marking a transformative step in advancing digital education across Punjab.  The visit aimed to align all stakeholders on deploying over 300 Schools of Eminence across Punjab and integrating Google for Education tools and technologies within these institutions. This unprecedented step is crucial for ensuring digital inclusion and preparing students for the future. Paul Hutchings, Regional Manager of Education, Google, acknowledged Tech Valley’s significant role and emphasised Google’s commitment to the project and a broader vision for digital education in Pakistan, including potential expansion into the gaming market and the provision of AI/cybersecurity courses. Representatives from Allied shared updates underscoring their role in Chromebook and gaming device manufacturing and their dedication to building a technology ecosystem in Pakistan with the potential for job creation. Future collaborations were also explored, including leveraging the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) for AI and cybersecurity training. The long-term vision includes expanding into the gaming sector and exploring opportunities for exporting “Made in Pakistan” products. Umar Farooq, CEO of Tech Valley Pakistan, emphasised the importance of timely execution to ensure impact at scale and reiterated Tech Valley’s commitment to driving digital transformation in Punjab’s education sector. The launch of the Chromebook assembly line is a significant step towards ensuring equitable access to Chromebook devices and empowering the students of Punjab with essential digital tools, and preparing them for a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Tech Valley Launches Pakistan’s First Google-Verified Chromebook Store Islamabad, Pakistan – March 28th, 2025 – Tech Valley, Pakistan’s leading technology and digital education enabler, has officially launched MyChromebook.pk, the country’s first trusted and Google-verified Chromebook e-commerce platform. The virtual launch event brought together key stakeholders from Google for Education, Beaconhouse School System, and Allied to celebrate this milestone in Pakistan’s digital learning transformation. The event featured prominent speakers, including Umar Farooq, CEO of Tech Valley, who emphasized the critical need for authentic Chromebooks in Pakistan’s education sector. “Parents, teachers, and students have long struggled with counterfeit and non-verified Chromebooks in the market, leading to compatibility and security issues. With MyChromebook.pk, we are ensuring that every device sold is Google-certified, education-optimized, and backed by reliable support,” he stated. Google for Education’s Tim Paolini (Special Initiatives Head) applauded the collaboration, saying, “This initiative marks a significant step in bringing verified Chromebooks to Pakistani students and educators. Google proudly supports Tech Valley and Beaconhouse in making quality digital learning accessible.” Edmund Li (Strategic Partner Manager, Google for Education) highlighted the long-term impact of this venture: “MyChromebook.pk isn’t just a store—it’s a movement toward legitimizing EdTech in Pakistan. Now, schools and parents can purchase Chromebooks with confidence, knowing they meet global education standards.” Ali Ahmad Khan, COO of Beaconhouse, served as the chief guest and inaugurated the platform. He shared Beaconhouse’s vision for digital learning, stating, “Currently, over 20,000 Beaconhouse students use personal devices, and we expect this number to grow to 32,000 next year. MyChromebook.pk solves a major pain point by providing verified devices, ensuring seamless integration with our digital classrooms.” This initiative is set to expand access to Google’s education ecosystem, empowering schools, universities, and individual learners. Tech Valley, Google, and Allied aim to foster local partnerships, encouraging more manufacturers to introduce certified Chromebooks in Pakistan.

Tech Valley, PEF Establish Google Education Village to Transform Punjab Education Lahore, Pakistan – February 27, 2025Tech Valley Pakistan, in collaboration with the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) and the Government of Punjab, proudly announces the launch of the “Google Education Village.” This innovative initiative, unveiled at the Government Shahuda-e-APS Memorial Boys High School, showcases cutting-edge Google products while marking a significant milestone in the digital transformation of both public and private schools across Punjab. During the event, Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman expressed his strong support for the initiative, praising the collaborative efforts of Tech Valley, Google, Allied, NRTC, and its partners. “The work of these trailblazers is the future forward for Pakistan,” the Chief Secretary stated, emphasizing that the integration of digital tools in education is essential for preparing our youth for tomorrow’s challenges. The Google Education Village serves not only as a display of technological innovation but also as a platform for inspiring educational reform, leveraging tools such as Google Workspace for Education, Chromebooks, and AI-powered learning. The collaboration signifies a multi-faceted commitment: Digital Transformation in Education: Tech Valley and the Government of Punjab are joining forces to revamp school systems, ensuring that modern digital tools are accessible to all educational institutions. Empowering Youth and Communities: By establishing the Google Education Village, the initiative aims to cultivate an ecosystem that nurtures digital skills, critical thinking, and innovation among students. Strategic Partnerships: The partnership with Google, Allied, NRTC, and other leading public and private sector partners, underscores a united effort to make Pakistan a future-ready AI hub. This event is a testament to the transformative power of technology in education. It highlights Tech Valley’s dedication to creating an enabling environment where innovation meets practical learning. The Google Education Village is not only a showcase of state-of-the-art products but also a call to action for educational stakeholders to embrace digital tools and drive systemic change in Punjab.

Google and local partner Tech Valley to Drive Digital Transformation in Punjab Classrooms [Date: 25th January 2025]: This International Education Day at British Educational Training and Technology Show (BETT UK 2025), Google for Education along with its local partner Tech Valley, signed an agreement with the Punjab Government, including the Punjab School Education Department and the Punjab Education Foundation, to transform Punjab’s primary and secondary schools by laying down foundations for AI interventions in the education system. Previously, Google for Education has been working with the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training in Pakistan with Chromebooks being a center of providing quality and secure education and opening up paths for students to explore more global digital tools. Seeing the success in the federal public school, Punjab will now be a focus province for latest Google for Education initiatives.  “This partnership signifies our commitment to leveraging technology for positive social impact,” said Minister of Education Punjab, Rana Sikander Hayat. “By equipping students and educators with world-class digital tools and data-driven insights, we aim to empower future generations in Punjab and beyond.” Under this agreement, 200,000 primary and secondary students in Punjab will benefit from a Digital ID powered by Gemini that will provide them access to the right learning tools and resources and  enrich their learning experience. Tech Valley, local country partner of Google for Education in Pakistan, will also provide an internet safety training program called Digital Safar to ensure these children have safe and secure online learning experience while gaining valuable skills like coding.  “We are excited to collaborate with Google for Education and Punjab Government to empower students and teachers by utilizing digital tools and resources. Tech Valley along with Google for Education’s Adoption team will ensure effective deployment of tools, hands-on teacher training, and support throughout the implementation phase.” said CEO Tech Valley, Umar Farooq. Google for Education’s comprehensive suite of tools and resources will be at the core of this transformation, including: Google Workspace for Education, offering collaborative platforms for communication, content creation, and knowledge sharing. Chrome Education Upgrade, enabling a safe, secure, and easily managed digital learning environment. Google Cloud Platform services, including BigQuery and Looker Studio, which provide robust data analytics capabilities to drive informed decision-making.  “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with the local government and bring Google for Education’s transformative tools to more classrooms across Pakistan. By equipping students and teachers with the right digital resources, we aim to unlock opportunities for personalised learning with AI, and empower future generations to thrive in the digital age. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to making quality education accessible to all and in shaping a Future Forward Pakistan.” said  Farhan Qureshi, Country Director, Google Pakistan While empowering teachers with the training, the partnership will provide Google for Education  certification to 50,000 teachers in Punjab, along with creating a community of master trainers to guide the teachers in groups and support them in the transition. In this regard, Tech Valley, has also been working closely with Google for Education Adoption teams to develop a tailored training program for teachers to leverage  Gemini as  “Punjab’s Teachers’ Assistant”. “We believe that digital transformation is key to unlocking the full potential of our education system,” stated the Managing Director, Punjab Education Foundation, Shahid Farid. “This collaboration with Google for Education will not only improve access to education but also enhance its quality, ensuring that every child in Punjab has the opportunity to succeed in the 21st century.” To introduce schools to chromebooks, smart labs will be established with 200,000 Chromebooks and  distributed across Punjab to foster an environment of learning and collaboration. These smart labs will also serve as training centers for technology adoption. These chromebooks will be Assembled in Pakistan by National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) and Allied Australia. A key focus of this partnership is to address the challenge of Out-of-School Children (OOSC). Google for Education will provide Digital IDs to OOSC children free of charge, complementing existing government initiatives to bring quality education to marginalized communities. A pilot program in collaboration with local governments and community centers will establish Chromebook Access Hubs to further enhance learning opportunities in areas lacking adequate educational infrastructure. The goal of this agreement is to provide students and teachers with access to not only basic but advanced digital tools and resources that are now a need of the century. Introducing the tools and technologies at a larger scale also underscores Google for Education and Punjab Government’s commitment to providing equal access to quality education for all students and teachers.

Tech Valley, Allied and NRTC presents first assembled Google Chromebook in Pakistan In a joint partnership between Tech Valley, a Google for Education Partner in Pakistan, Allied – Australian based manufacturer of Chromebooks & Gaming Devices, and National Radio Telecommunication Communication Pakistan (NRTC), Chromebooks will be assembled in Pakistan for the first time ever at NRTC’s facility Haripur. This collaboration is a significant step towards making quality education more accessible to everyone in Pakistan. Chromebooks are affordable devices that provide a safe and secure environment for students to explore technology. By getting Chromebooks into the hands of students, this initiative aims to enhance their digital skills at an early age, provide them with access to the same educational tools used globally, and promote equitable and quality education.

Jazz, MoFEPT, and Tech Valley Drive Digital Safar Forward: Expanding Access to Digital Skills Oct 10, 2024 -Islamabad: Jazz, the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training, and Tech Valley gathered today to celebrate the success of Digital Safar, a program launched in 2023 in collaboration with Google to equip young minds across Pakistan with essential digital skills and online safety education through Google’s Be Internet Awesome and CS Firstprograms. As the official connectivity partner, Jazz is providing free internet connectivity to 50 schools under the Federal Directorate of Education, enabling students and educators to access critical digital resources, explore new learning opportunities, and develop essential digital skills. During the event, Jazz also handed over internet devices with free monthly data bundles, reinforcing the initiative’s goal of promoting digital literacy and inclusion in underserved communities. Fatima Akhtar, Head of Communications & Sustainability at Jazz, expressed her support, stating: “Our commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring online safety in Pakistan is at the heart of this initiative. By offering free internet access and devices, we are empowering students with the tools and skills necessary to benefit from Digital Safar, contributing to a digitally literate and connected youth, which is vital to the vision of a Digital Pakistan.”   To date, the program has trained over 100,000 students in early-age coding and digital safety, helping them navigate the digital world securely. With a new target of reaching 200,000 students, the initiative aims to further close the digital divide by equipping schools with robust digital infrastructure, fostering a future where both students and educators can confidently embrace the opportunities of the digital age.

Tech Valley Partners with Sindh Education Department and Higher Education Commission to Empower Students with Google for Education Tools Karachi, Pakistan – October 14, 2024 – Tech Valley Pakistan, a Google for Education Partner, has partnered with the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) and the Information Science and Technology Department (ISTD) of Sindh to equip universities with the essential digital tools needed to thrive in today’s modern workforce. This collaborative effort aims to transform education in Sindh and prepare students for future success. This landmark collaboration was signed in the presence of Vice Chancellors of 32 universities of Sindh and Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, who endorsed the initiative and emphasized the importance of adopting globally recognized tools to elevate the quality of education in government universities. “I am delighted to witness this partnership between Tech Valley Pakistan, the Sindh Education Department, and the Higher Education Commission,” said Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister Sindh. “This initiative aligns perfectly with our government’s vision of transforming education in Sindh. By equipping our students with the latest digital tools, we are empowering them to compete on a global scale and contribute to the development of our province.” This partnership empowers universities under the jurisdiction of SHEC to leverage Google for Education tools, a suite widely used by 75% of the global workforce. Through Google Workspace for Education, students, faculty, and staff will gain access to powerful communication and collaboration tools like Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and more. This not only fosters a more efficient learning environment but also connects these universities with broader global opportunities as they utilize the same tools and resources employed by leading institutions and businesses worldwide. “This collaboration is a significant step towards equipping our students with the digital skills they need to thrive in the 21st-century workplace,” said Noor Ahmed Sammo, Secretary of Information Science and Technology, Sindh. “By providing access to Google for Education tools, we are not only enhancing the learning experience but also opening doors to global opportunities.” “We are excited to partner with Tech Valley Pakistan and Google for Education to transform education in Sindh’s universities,” said Professor Dr. Tariq Rafi, Chairman of Sindh Higher Education Commission. “Google Workspace for Education offers a comprehensive suite of tools that will empower our faculty to deliver engaging lessons and prepare our students for success.” “We are thrilled to be a part of this initiative,” said Paul Hutchings, Regional Head of Google for Education for Greater Asia, who was present during the signing ceremony. “Google for Education tools have the potential to revolutionize education by fostering collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. This partnership with Tech Valley Pakistan and the Sindh government is a testament to their commitment to providing students with the best possible learning experience.” “Tech Valley has a proven track record of working with schools, colleges, and universities to provide access to Google resources for students of all ages,” said Umar Farooq, CEO of Tech Valley Pakistan, a trusted Google for Education Partner. “We are confident that this collaboration with the Sindh government will equip students with the digital skills they need to excel in their academic pursuits and future careers.”

Google for Education and Tech Valley Join Forces with Ministry of Federal Education to Tackle Out-of-School Children Crisis 10 October 2024: Islamabad, Pakistan – In a groundbreaking collaboration, Google for Education, along with its partner Tech Valley, has presented a comprehensive report to the Ministry of Federal Education, outlining concrete solutions to address the pressing issue of out-of-school children (OOSC) in Pakistan. This report proposes leveraging digital technologies and establishing non-formal learning opportunities to enhance literacy, numeracy, life skills, and social well-being among OOSC. The report was presented by the Regional Head of Greater Asia, Google for Education, and builds upon the success of the Out-of-School Children Design Thinking Workshop held in Islamabad earlier this year. This workshop brought together donor agencies, development organizations, and stakeholders to yield valuable insights and actionable recommendations. The Ministry of Federal Education has expressed its commitment to addressing this critical issue, with the Secretary sharing plans with the Ministry of Planning & Initiatives and National Education Taskforce to share the report with relevant stakeholders to gather feedback and support.  This collaboration aims to execute the proposed solutions in 2025, transforming the education landscape for millions of out of school children of Pakistan. Read the full report here.  

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.”