Raaji wins ‘She Loves Tech Pakistan 2018’

Qualifies for bootstrapping process in China

KARACHI: Raaji, a chatbot that engages conversations in the fields of health, hygiene as well as abuse and sexual harassment, has won the ‘She Loves Tech Pakistan 2018’ competition, qualifying to go to China for the bootstrapping process and compete with start-ups from other countries.

The final of ‘She Loves Tech’, a Singapore-based global start-up competition, was held at the National Incubation Centre (NIC), Karachi on Thursday.

Circle, which works for women empowerment through innovative entrepreneurship, brought ‘She Loves Tech’ in Pakistan. The international competition is held in 14 locations across Africa, Canada, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, and UAE.

Before the finals, Circle hosted local rounds for the competition in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi, bringing key incubators and stakeholders on board.



Ten start-ups from around Pakistan participated in the country level final.

“Women are born to be entrepreneurs and managers,” said Oxford University Press Managing Director Ameena Saiyid while talking to the audience prior to the pitching session.

Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT and ITES (P@SHA) President Jehan Ara, Ignite CEO Yusuf Hussain, Sindh Board of Investment Chairperson Naheed Memon and Seed Ventures CEO Faraz Khan were the judges of the competition.

The start-up uses artificial intelligence to deal with different queries, responding to users based on their   questions. Saba Khalid, the founder of Raaji, said the chatbot is designed to evolve and engage human assistance if the situation demands.

“We will be able to put those looking for help in touch with doctors, psychologists and lawyers, according to the situation,” said Khalid.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 17^th, 2018.

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