Prime Minister's National Innovation Award Round II Commences to Foster Entrepreneurship in Pakistan

 

The eagerly awaited Round II of the Prime Minister's National Innovation Award (PMNIA) has kicked off, bringing with it a series of transformative activities aimed at nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship among Pakistan's brightest minds.

The first phase involves shortlisting the top 250 candidates, who will then participate in an intensive Idea Pitching Training Boot Camp.

This two-day event provides a unique opportunity for the shortlisted candidates to fine-tune their pitching skills and enhance their innovative business ideas.

The boot camp welcomes both in-person and online participation, ensuring talented individuals from all corners of the nation can take part.

Following the enriching boot camp, the candidates will compete in the thrilling Pitching Competition on 22nd July 2023.

In front of a distinguished jury comprising experts from the startup ecosystem and various industries, participants will showcase their groundbreaking business ideas, vying for prestigious recognition.

The climax of this exciting journey will be the National Award Ceremony at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, where the top 50 startups will be identified and celebrated for their outstanding contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship.

The top 10 startups will receive a grant of Rs. 1 million, while the remaining top 40 will be awarded Rs. 0.5 million.

Additionally, all the top 50 startups will have the opportunity to opt for a 6-month incubation program and receive an additional Rs. 1 million to support their growth.

The final award ceremony will be followed by a mega event, Investor Connect, on 25th July 2023.

During this remarkable occasion, the top 100 startups from both PMNIA Round I and Round II will be acknowledged. It also presents a golden chance for new startups to connect with top investors from Pakistan and abroad, facilitating further support and potential collaboration for their innovative ideas.

The PMNIA program, executed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), is a testament to the government's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and empowering Pakistan's youth to become torchbearers of progress.

It stands as a beacon of hope for the nation's budding entrepreneurs, providing them with unparalleled opportunities to turn their visions into reality and make significant contributions to the country's development.