The internationally renowned event that enables potential and aspiring entrepreneurs to work in an interactive environment to make their ideas a reality, Lahore University of Management Sciences, once again, was all set to begin this rigorous 54-hour marathon of the intensive team working, networking and socializing. A platform to transform startup ideas into applicable businesses is what Startup Weekend is all about. Not only does this assist the participants in practically carrying out their ideas but also help them reach global markets, helping them grow.
Day one was all about getting to know each other with fun packed ice-breaking sessions and interactive talks to ensure a friendly environment so that everyone feels comfortable.
The event was opened by Dr. Sohail Naqvi (Vice Chancellor LUMS) followed by Faisal Sherjan (Director National Incubation Center, Lahore), Humayun Mazhar (Founder, Chairman, CEO CresVentures) addressing the participants followed by an introduction of the coaches, speakers, and guests. Of the 120 participants, 63 gave a 60-second pitch about their business idea and attendees voted for the top pitches. The event was attended by renowned entrepreneurs such as Humayun Mazhar (Founder, Chairman, and CEO of CresVentures) and Jehan Ara (President P@SHA and The Nest I/O) and Fahad Yaqoub (Tech expert; Head of Engineering Quixel), Saj Khan (Former Head at Convo).
The ideas that had immense potential and were selected are as follows;
The day was closed with a dinner and a networking night where the budding entrepreneurs were given a chance to connect with renowned entrepreneurs. Of the 60 ideas presented on Friday, 20 were shortlisted and teams were formed among the remaining participants. A healthy community building exercise took place as people looked for their new team members.
The second day of the 54-hour event was all about interacting and working on the ideas that were selected on day one. The participants formed teams and rigorously started working on their ideas for the final presentation that was to be held on day three. They all gathered in the smart lab of the computer science department and worked in teams, providing each other assistance in areas they were good at, creating a dynamic environment that promoted creativity and innovation.
The teams were assisted by mentors from diverse entrepreneurial backgrounds providing them with valuable advice and insights about their business ideas and constantly guiding them on the details.
The mentors who assisted the participants were; Omar Farooq (Happa Studios), Abid Malik (Director Indus Ventures), Syed Ali (CEO 7vals), Khurram Samad (GenIT), Abdullah Ahmed (Software house), Saj Khan (Senior Programme Manager Scrybe), Awais Younis (CEO SPM Consulting), Shayan Zaeem (Co-founder Fizz.io), Abbas Yousafzai (Co-founder, CTO Yotascale)
The third day all about adding final touches to the ideas followed by a formal presentation. The final ideas, selected at the end of the first day, continued to be mentored during the first half of the day. They worked rigorously on their final presentations assisted by mentors from the previous day. Additional mentors, such as Dr. Amena Hasan (CEO of Business for Social Progress), Maha Rehman (Development consultant) and Dr. Mahrukh were also available at the venue to assist the participants.
The latter half of the day consisted of presentations where each team was given 5 minutes to pitch their ideas to the judges followed by a 3 minute Q&A session. Syed Baber Ali also made an appearance and stayed at the venue for most of the presentations. The panel of judges consisted of some of the most well-reputed entrepreneurs such as Jehan Ara (President P@SHA and The Nest I/O), Tosheeba Sarwar (Business executive and advisor), Badar Khushnood (Co-founder and Partner at Bramerz) and Murad Akhter (Co-founder and CEO of Tintash).
The event was closed with a dinner followed by a closing ceremony where ESurge was declared the winning idea followed by Viraas and Base Plan as runner-ups.
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