Eligibility Criteria for Startups

  • Startup must be working on a technology, product, service, or process aimed at solving a problem related to verticals/challenge statements identified by KE.
  • Startup must not be a reseller offering existing products/solutions already available in the market.
  • Startup must demonstrate significant Growth and/or Impact Potential in any of the relevant challenge statements/verticals identified by KE.
  • Startups are encouraged to have a prototype or MVP, or a similar solution that can be adapted to address KE’s identified challenge statements. While having a prototype is not mandatory, it is considered a valuable advantage.
  • Startup should ideally be based in Pakistan. However, startups working outside of Pakistan are also eligible for participation.
  • Startup must be a registered entity by the end of the program to receive the award.

Eligibility Criteria for Academia

  • Researchers/students must be enrolled in or associated with an HEC recognized or any reputable global university.
  • Researchers/Students are encouraged to have a prototype/MVP or a similar solution ready that can be pivoted to solve KE’s identified challenge statements. While not mandatory, having one is highly beneficial.
  • Researchers/students must either be faculty members/research staff or 4th year Undergraduate, Graduate, or Postgraduate level students at a recognized university.
  • Researchers/students can apply individually or as a group of maximum 4 individuals.
  • Proposals by student researchers must be endorsed by at least 01 faculty member of their institution, who shall agree to supervise student(s) as well.