SAHIWAL: Around 120 vibrant youths with 30 tech-based innovative start-ups pitched in their business ideas for final selection in front of a seven-judge jury for next year’s funding under the fifth Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) Regional Plan 9 at the Incubation Centre of the University of Sahiwal on Saturday.

The jury is set to select 15 start-up projects, each of which will receive a monthly stipend of Rs80,000, including office space, legal assistance, networking opportunities, business model development, and mentorship at the RP-9 Incubation Centre for the next six months.

The RP-9 is Punjab government tech-based initiative whose basic purpose is to support early-stage startups and provide guidance at various stages of initial development. It seeks to promote tech entrepreneurship and create a positive impact by assisting start-ups in building sustainable businesses.

Dr Muhammad Ayub, director, Office of Research Innovation and Commercialisation, told Dawn that under the 5th cohort, 93 start-ups showcased their ideas. Still, only 30 were selected for the final pitch-in after clearing two rounds of evaluation, including an elevator pitch.

A team of four members from each start-up presented their final ideas for business funding and technical assistance. The seven-member jury not only judged the innovative and creative ideas but also facilitated the teams in improving their concepts on technical and business model.

“By equipping these start-ups with essential resources and expert guidance, we are cultivating a youth that will not only create local job markets but also contribute to economic growth,” Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Javed Akhtar told Dawn.

The seven-member jury consists of IT, policy compliance experts, industry professionals, community development practitioners and academics. It includes Dr Muhammad Ayub, Dr Shahera Amin, Dr Qammer Zaman, Sajid Nawaz, Ms Sadia Mazhar, Muhammad Shafiq, and Muhammad Aqeel.

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2024