Local firms seek to boost IT exports, draw investment

Ignite sponsors 10 innovative startups at Dubai tech exhibition

DUBAI:

More than 80 Pakistani companies and startups are showcasing their technological prowess at Gitex Global 2024, the world's largest tech and startup exhibition.

The event, held under the theme "Global Collaboration to Forge a Future AI Economy," has drawn participants from across the globe, including government officials, investors, researchers and the academia.

With over 6,500 companies, 1,800 startups and 1,200 investors from 180 countries, the event is poised to become a key platform for artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technological advancements.

Pakistan's presence at the fair aims to boost IT exports to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, attract foreign investment in startups and foster collaborations with major IT firms.

Pakistani companies see this as a strategic opportunity to propel their businesses and tap into the growing tech demand in the region.

Ignite, Pakistan's leading technology fund under the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, has sponsored 10 innovative startups for the Expand North Star event at Gitex 2024. These startups span a range of industries including healthcare, aerospace, energy, gaming and smart cities.

"We are immensely proud of these startups, each representing the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit thriving in Pakistan," said Adeel Ijaz Shah, CEO of Ignite.

"Gitex provides an incredible opportunity for them to showcase their solutions on a global stage, attract international investment and form partnerships that can accelerate their growth."

Among the participating startups, AiBL Innovators, led by founding CEO Sannan Gulzar, is focusing on healthcare innovation.

"We are here to build connections and collaborate on creating better healthcare solutions. With support from MENA region incubators, we hope to attract investments that will help us expand our reach," Gulzar said, adding that they were already registered with incubators in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Another Pakistani startup making waves is Ace Aeronautics, which specialises in drone technology.

Founder and CEO Ubaid Raz, an aerospace engineer, highlighted the potential of drones for tunnel and pipeline inspections as well as military applications.

"Our drones, equipped with ultrasonic and robotic sensors, can reduce human risk in mining and other hazardous industries. Gitex is a major platform for us to explore partnerships and secure investments, especially from the MENA region," Raz stated.

The event also highlights the role of women entrepreneurs, with two participants, Farhat and Maryam from Haripur, showcasing their success in digital financial empowerment. They have transformed their traditional hand-embroidered home textile business into a fully digital enterprise.

"Coming to Gitex is encouraging. We are empowering other women in remote areas through technology, and seeing the global interest in our work is inspiring," Farhat said.

Maryam added, "We are excited to meet people from around the world and hope to take our work to an even bigger platform in the future."