The launch of Pakistan’s Green Technology Hub (G-TH) is a groundbreaking initiative that underscores the nation’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. G-TH fosters green entrepreneurship, climate-smart solutions, and capacity-building to promote economic growth, job creation, and environmental stewardship. It is a joint effort by Ignite – Ministry of IT & Telecom, Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), and visionary founding partners Acumen, Ahya, PakLaunch, Sarmayacar, and Zayn VC. Together, these institutions aim to position Pakistan as a global leader in green technology.
COLLABORATING ORGANIZATIONS
Ignite – Ministry of IT & Telecom: Established to catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship, Ignite has been pivotal in fostering the startup ecosystem in Pakistan. Its focus on technology-driven initiatives aligns seamlessly with the objectives of G-TH.
Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC): This ministry has spearheaded Pakistan’s efforts to combat climate change, enhancing resilience and sustainability. Its partnership with G-TH underscores its mission to drive climate-smart policies.
NUST: As a leading institution in technological and scientific research, NUST provides critical academic and research support to the initiative.
FOUNDING PARTNERS
Acumen: A global nonprofit tackling poverty by investing in sustainable solutions.
Ahya: A sustainability-focused organization championing renewable energy and clean technology.
PakLaunch: A platform connecting startups with global investors, particularly in green innovation.
Sarmayacar: A venture capital firm investing in startups with transformative potential.
Zayn VC: A catalyst for innovation in emerging markets, emphasizing sustainable and impactful ventures.
SPEAKERS AT COP29
Opening Remarks
Aisha Humera Moriani,
Secretary Ministry of Climate Change
& Environmental Coordination
Overview of the COP-29 Start-up Competition
Adeel Aijaz Shaikh
CEO Ignite
Closing Remarks
Mr. Salaal Hasan
Ignite & Ahya Technologies
GREEN TECH HUB STARTUP COMPETITION
Startup Selection Process
Ignite, along with its partners, initiated an open call for GreenTech and CleanTech startups. This transparent and competitive process drew 120 applications from diverse sectors. Through a rigorous evaluation, 40 startups were shortlisted, showcasing exceptional promise in green innovation. The final phase identified 10 outstanding startups that advanced to the final competition round, where they demonstrated scalable, transformative solutions aimed at addressing critical environmental challenges.
Top 3 Finalists Represented Pakistan at COP29: The top three finalists earned the opportunity to represent Pakistan at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, presenting solutions with significant global impact:
Ignite, along with its partners, initiated an open call for GreenTech and CleanTech startups. This transparent and competitive process drew 120 applications from diverse sectors. Through a rigorous evaluation, 40 startups were shortlisted, showcasing exceptional promise in green innovation. The final phase identified 10 outstanding startups that advanced to the final competition round, where they demonstrated scalable, transformative solutions aimed at addressing critical environmental challenges.
Top 3 Finalists Represented Pakistan at COP29: The top three finalists earned the opportunity to represent Pakistan at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, presenting solutions with significant global impact:
JUDGES
Faisal Aftab, Founder & CEO Zayn VC
Dr. Jaleed Khawaja, Head of Sustainability Strategy, Capgemini
Rabeel Warraich, Founder & CEO Sarmayacar
AWARDS
Winner – Concept Loop: A trailblazer in circular economy innovations, Concept Loop creates solutions to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency for a greener tomorrow.
Winner – Syed Ali Naqi Founder Concept Loop Receiving Award
1st Runner-Up – EcoEdge AI: Harnessing the power of AI, EcoEdge AI develops cutting-edge solutions to optimize energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints for a sustainable future.
1st Runner-Up – Syed Murtaza Zaidi EcoEdge AI Receiving Award
2nd Runner-Up – SAWiE Ecosys: Empowering farmers with smart, AI-driven agricultural tools, SAWiE Ecosys revolutionizes sustainable farming practices for improved productivity and environmental conservation.
2nd Runner-Up – Sundas Abbas SAWiE Ecosys Receiving Award
PANEL DISCUSSION
Beyond Risk to an Innovation Opportunity for Pakistan
Impact of G-TH at COP29
The participation of these finalists at COP29 elevated Pakistan’s stature as a contributor to global climate resilience. Their solutions, showcased on an international stage, demonstrated the potential of Pakistani startups to address the climate crisis innovatively and effectively.
Way Forward for G-TH
To ensure the sustainability and impact of the Green Technology Hub, the following steps are recommended:
⦁ Expand Startup Outreach: Increase engagement with universities, incubators, and international partners to attract a broader pool of GreenTech talent.
⦁ Long-term Funding Mechanisms: Establish a dedicated GreenTech Fund, leveraging public-private partnerships for sustained financial support to startups.
⦁ Policy Advocacy: Collaborate with MoCC&EC to formulate policies incentivizing green innovation, such as tax rebates and grants for climate-smart solutions.
⦁ Strengthen Industry Linkages: Partner with global GreenTech leaders to transfer knowledge, technology, and best practices to local startups.
⦁ Annual Innovation Showcases: Institutionalize an annual GreenTech summit to provide startups with continuous exposure, networking opportunities, and access to markets.
Conclusion
The Green Technology Hub is more than just an initiative; it is a movement to inspire sustainable growth, drive innovation, and tackle climate challenges head-on. By nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and strengthening partnerships, G-TH is set to redefine Pakistan’s trajectory toward a greener, more resilient future. Let us continue this journey together, empowering the innovators of today to create a sustainable tomorrow.
