The conference marked a significant milestone in Pakistan’s tech and startup ecosystem, setting a benchmark for future events that aim to foster collaboration, innovation, and growth....
HAPPENINGS
Karachi recently hosted the highly anticipated +92Disrupt conference on December 14 and 15, bringing together top technological industry leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and successful startup CEOs. Organized by Katalyst Labs, with the support of various sponsors, the conference served as a platform to bridge the gap between established founders and emerging startups, with a focus on driving innovation and contributing to Pakistan’s growing tech ecosystem.
Over two days, the conference highlighted key sectors, such as the AI fintech revolution, and investment opportunities. It also provided a unique space for business leaders, startup founders, and innovators to share their experiences and insights, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The impactful panel discussions at the conference also covered crucial topics in technology, gaming, and entrepreneurship, giving attendees a comprehensive understanding of current trends. During the event, each session was designed to deliver valuable insights, ensuring participants left with practical takeaways to drive their own ventures forward. Another fundamental feature of the conference was the productive office hours, which allowed emerging startup leaders to interact directly with investors. This provided a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to present their pitch and secured potential funding. In addition, investors’ roundtables were also held throughout the event.
The event kicked off with a welcome note, followed by an inspiring session from Omer Khan, the founder of PostEx. Omer shared the journey of his company, which is transforming the logistics and fintech sectors in Pakistan. His session provided attendees with valuable lessons on overcoming industry challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities within these rapidly growing fields.
One of the most engaging panel sessions was titled ‘The future is gamified’. The session explored the potential of gamification to enhance human-computer interactions. The discussion sparked lively debates among speakers about how gamified elements are revolutionizing various industries, especially in tech, and user engagement.
During the conference, Monis Rahman, the CEO of Rozee.pk, discussed how his company is adopting AI to optimize the recruitment process, also offering valuable views into the transformative impact AI is having on Pakistan’s job market. In conversation with Jahan Ara, the founder of Katalyst Labs, Monis highlighted how AI is revolutionizing talent acquisition, making the process more efficient and accessible for both employers and job seekers.
The key highlight of day one was ‘AI challenges 2024: the final pitches showdown’, where innovative startup finalists presented their groundbreaking ideas to a panel of investor from Securiti. The program captivated the audience and concluded with a major achievement: the team from AERA secured PKR 2.1 million in funding.
The conference also featured a thought-provoking session with Jawwad Farid, professor of practice at IBA Karachi, who discussed ‘Can machines think?’ Farid delved into the ethical implications, societal impacts, and opportunities for innovation as AI continues to evolve. Moreover, leading startups such as Shorooq and Colabs also took the stage, sharing valuable insights into their operations and the ways they are driving growth in their respective industries. Also, a standout panel session on ‘TikTok for impact’ explored the growing role of social media in raising awareness and promoting educational initiatives in Pakistan.
During the conference, the co-founders of ConnectHear highlighted their mission brilliantly to promote inclusivity and accessibility within the tech industry, underscoring their commitment to bridging gaps and fostering diversity in Pakistan technology.
Additionally, the focus of the young participants at the conference was particularly evident during the session by Asad J. Malik, the founder of JADU. During his session, he gave a detailed talk on ‘AR: gaming in our world’ and captivated the audience with immersive videos showcasing his augmented reality experiences. Asad’s dedicated session and community meeting provided a special look at the future of mobile gaming and the film industry, and also showed how his company is shaping the AR technology landscape in the world.
Also, another notable session featured Hashim Syed, the AI growth and GTM lead at Google, who explored how AI transitions from innovative ideas to practical and real-world applications. He discussed how Google is playing a vital role in advancing AI technologies and supporting startups through its AI-driven initiatives. Aasim Wajid, the group head of strategy at Bank Alfalah, also took the stage, offering valuable insights into the bank’s strategic initiatives that have driven growth and enhanced public engagement.
Throughout the conference, various workshops also provided participants with practical knowledge, inspiration, and key strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of business and innovation in Pakistan.
Consequently, +92Disrupt served as a dynamic platform for entrepreneurs, tech leaders, and investors, fostering a collaborative environment and providing essential tools and insights for the next generation of innovators in Pakistan’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem.
