From equity conversations to on-the-spot hiring, fair redefined how students connect with Pakistan’s startup ecosystem
Students gather at the Founders’ Fair at NIC, Islamabad. PHOTO: NIC
Islamabad’s National Incubation Centre (NIC) hosted a Founder’s Fair from April 6 to 8, allowing for a curated, high-energy networking expo that bridges the gap between high-growth startups and top talent.
By replacing traditional career fairs with direct matchmaking, co-founder pairing, and on-the-spot hiring opportunities, the event aimed to connect innovative startups with students for high-impact roles.
The centre posted the event on its Instagram page, thanking the founders and students who showed up ready to build. “Last week, we traded small talk for high-stakes strategy and brochures for equity conversations,” the centre wrote, adding that the fair “wasn’t just a networking event; it was a curated matchmaking expo designed to bridge the gap between Pakistan’s brightest final-year talent and the high-growth startups ready to scale”.
The organisation further noted that the next generation of builders is not focused on finding a “safe job”, but securing a seat at the table.
The event also included workshops where assumptions were challenged, and students were allowed to explore financial clarity, investor understanding, and the art of building a compelling pitch.
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Sharing media of the event, the NIC posted images from a session where over 40 ecosystem leaders engaged in discussions, asked questions, and worked toward building mutual understanding. The Cohort-5 final judging panel includes founders, chairpersons, managers, and vice presidents of various companies, including the Chief Executive Officer of Takhleeq, Ali Shah, the Co-Founder of Marham, Asma Omer, and the Chairman of Rozee, Monis Rahman, among other leading business figures.
Reference Link:- https://tribune.com.pk/story/2601655/islamabads-nic-swaps-traditional-career-fair-for-startup-matchmaking-expo