A prize distribution ceremony for emerging start-ups was recently held at the Federation House, bringing together leading voices from industry and academia to highlight the role of youth-led innovation in driving Pakistan’s economic growth. The event was attended by Vice Chancellors, along with representatives from Offices of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORICs) and Business Incubation Centers (BICs) from prominent public and private universities across Sindh.
From a highly competitive pool of 80 startups across the province, only five were selected for awards. Among them, Syed Sehal Masroor, founder of Bioraff and an incubatee of Cohort 4 at the Shahjehan Syed Karim Incubation Center (SSKIC), Institute of Business Management (IoBM), secured a cash prize of Rs. 500,000. The recognition was conferred at the Inaugural Sindh Innovative Startups Exhibition & Award Ceremony 2026, jointly organized by the Sindh Higher Education Commission and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry at their head office.
The cheque was formally presented by Chancellor IoBM, Bashir Jan Mohammad; Chairman Sindh HEC, Dr. S.M. Tariq Rafi; and Vice President FPCCI, Saquib Fayyaz Magoon. The ceremony also highlighted the pivotal role of SSKIC, led by Raza Abbas, whose efforts continue to expand its reach and support a growing portfolio of emerging startups.
This achievement reflects the strengthening of IoBM’s innovation ecosystem, where incubated ventures are consistently demonstrating impact and scalability. Chancellor IoBM, Bashir Jan Mohammad, emphasized that sustainable economic progress depends on the innovative and forward-thinking ideas of the younger generation, reaffirming the business community’s commitment to supporting and mentoring emerging entrepreneurs.
Through its structured six-month incubation program, SSKIC provides startups with the support and opportunities needed to scale their ideas into viable ventures. Bioraff’s success stands as a testament to this enabling environment and the institution’s continued commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent.
