The Shahjehan Syed Karim Incubation Centre (SSKIC) at IoBM concluded its Final Pitch Day for Cohort 3 on February 17, 2024. As many as 30 start-ups competed for a spot in the 6-month program. It will provide comprehensive support, including mentorship from industry experts, access to funding and investment opportunities, co-working space and infrastructure, and skill development workshops and training programs.
A distinguished panel of 12 judges from the industry evaluated the pitches. They were: Dr. Seema Ansari, Advisor to Rector, IoBM; Dr. Imran Batada, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) and Director CIT, IoBM; Prof. Dr. Farhan Essa, Chairman, Dr. Essa Health Services Pvt. Ltd.; Sami Haider, Head of Human Resources, Dr. Essa Laboratory & Diagnostic Centre; Salman Tufail, Director, Tufail Group; Dr. Mariam Mateen Khan, HoD, Entrepreneurship, IoBM; Mr. Salman Beg, Director, Enterprising MFG Co. Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Halil Ibrahim Basaran, Karachi Programme Coordinator, TIKA; Ms. Evelyn Abrogena, Advisor Individual Life Operations, EFU Life Assurance Ltd.; Ms, Uzma Zaidi- Chief HR. Officer, Unity Foods Ltd.; Dr. Eram Abbasi, Director of Entrepreneurship, DHA Suffa University; and Mr. Shayan Ahmed Baig, EVP and Deputy Head Shariah Compliance, Meezan Bank.
After careful deliberation, the judges selected the following top 5 start-ups to join Cohort 3:
The initiatives showcased by the selected start-ups at the Shahjehan Syed Karim Incubation Centre (SSKIC) align closely with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For instance, Greenova8 and Filt Resha are actively contributing to SDG 13: Climate Action by promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste, while DigiBook supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by enhancing business operations in the travel sector. Additionally, Jeanius Digital's use of AI for sustainable fashion promotes responsible consumption (SDG 12). The emphasis on mentorship and community engagement within the SSKIC program also reflects the importance of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, as collaboration is key to achieving sustainable development.