ISLAMABAD
Pakistan’s journey for globally competitive technology and innovation destination took another significant step today as Pathfinder CITADEL convened the National Event and Culmination Ceremony of the Davos Startup Challenge 2027 at Amaani Bagh, Islamabad.
The ceremony, attended by H.E. Stéphane Rey, Ambassador of Switzerland to Pakistan, as Chief Guest, accompanied by Mrs. Anne Matter, Deputy Head of Mission of Switzerland to Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The event was also graced by H.E. Wolfgang Kutschera, Ambassador of Austria to Pakistan; Dr. Shoab A. Khan, Chairman P@SHA, and Mr. Faisal Aftab, Founder and CEO of Zayn VC as Guest of Honour.
The occasion marked the culmination of a nationwide startup competition aimed at identifying, nurturing and connecting promising entrepreneurs with international markets, investors and global decision-makers.
A key highlight was the unveiling of the selected startups that will represent Pakistan and the Global South at the Pakistan Pavilion on the sidelines of World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2027.
The initiative represents an important evolution in Pakistan’s engagement with the world’s leading economic platform.
For two decades, Pathfinder Group has convened the Pakistan Breakfast and Pakistan Pavilion at Davos, creating an international platform for Pakistan’s economic, institutional and business engagement.
The 2027 edition builds on this legacy by placing Pakistani entrepreneurs and technology companies at the center of that engagement.
The Davos Startup Challenge 2027 attracted an impressive 617 applications from Pakistan and other OIC member countries, with 34 startups shortlisted following the initial evaluation. Of these, 28 advanced to the final pitching round, culminating in the selection of 20 startups from Pakistan and OIC countries.
The partnership with the Digital Cooperation Organization adds a significant international dimension to the 2027 initiative. With a dedicated DCO Track, the challenge extends its reach across the Global South, reinforcing the importance of cross-border collaboration, digital cooperation and inclusive economic growth.
At the welcome session, AVM (Retd.) Asad Ikram, President and CEO of Pathfinder CITADEL, highlighted the importance of developing an innovation ecosystem that transforms Pakistan’s entrepreneurial potential into globally competitive businesses.
The first session, titled “From Pakistan to Davos,” brought together entrepreneurs to examine the opportunities and challenges involved in taking Pakistani technology companies to international markets.
Moderated by Air Cdre Khalid Banuri, Principal Advisor, Pathfinder CITADEL, the discussion featured Imran Jattala, Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Pathfinder CITADEL.
Mohib Mirza and Fawad Hassan Khan, Founders of AI Team Force, whose startup was among the eight ventures selected by Pathfinder CITADEL to represent Pakistan at the Pakistan Pavilion on the sidelines of World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos in January 2026.
Dr. Shoab A. Khan, Chairman of P@SHA, while addressing Pakistan’s technology landscape, focused on the importance of building globally competitive companies through innovation, enterprise development and stronger connections with international markets. He appreciated the Pathfinder CITADEL initiative to make and showcase Pakistan innovation prowess at International forums.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the announcement and unveiling of the selected startups for Davos 2027, led by Air Cdre (Retd.) Farhan Ahmed, Project Director and COO, Pathfinder CITADEL.
The selected founders will take their ventures to the Pakistan Pavilion, creating opportunities to engage with international investors, corporations, policymakers and the wider global innovation ecosystem.
The programme also featured an investor-focused session by Mr. Faisal Aftab, Founder and CEO of Zayn VC, on “Growth Pathways for Startups-Pitching for Investment: What Investors Look for in a Startup,” providing founders with perspectives on investment readiness, business scalability and the expectations of global capital markets.
Addressing the gathering, H.E. Stéphane Rey, Ambassador of Switzerland to Pakistan, brought an important international dimension to the occasion. Switzerland’s association with the World Economic Forum and its global reputation for innovation, research and entrepreneurship make its engagement particularly meaningful as Pakistani founders prepare for their international journey. The ambassador along with Ikram Sehgal, CO-Chairman Pathfinder Group and AVM (Retd.) Asad Ikram, President & CEO Pathfinder CITADEL distributed certificates to the founders going to Pakistan Pavilion DAVOS in 2027.
The ceremony also featured a presentation by Brig (Retd.) Mujahid Alam, CEO, Pathfinder Care Foundation, highlighting Pathfinder Group’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and its ongoing contributions towards community welfare and social development.
In the closing remarks, Mr. Ikram Sehgal, Co-Chairman, Pathfinder Group, underscored the importance of sustained institutional commitment to entrepreneurship, technological advancement and Pakistan’s international economic positioning. He highlighted the significance of moving beyond participation at global platforms towards creating meaningful business relationships, investment opportunities and lasting international partnerships.
Davos 2027: Taking Pakistan’S Innovation To The World
The Davos Startup Challenge 2027 is part of Pathfinder CITADEL’s broader commitment to developing Pakistan’s technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Through its three interconnected platforms Career JumpStart Institute, Escape Velocity Accelerator and Strategic Innovation Consulting Pathfinder CITADEL works to strengthen technology skills, accelerate startups and support institutional innovation.
The selected startups will represent Pakistan and the Global South at the Pakistan Pavilion during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, scheduled for 18-22 January 2027 in Davos, Switzerland. The startup showcase is scheduled for 20–21 January at Morosani Posthotel, Davos, Switzerland.
Their participation will provide a platform to showcase homegrown innovation, establish international business connections, engage with potential investors and explore partnerships that can translate into commercial opportunities and market expansion.
For Pathfinder Group and Pathfinder CITADEL, Davos Startup Challenge 2027 represents more than an annual competition. It is a continuing effort to position Pakistani talent, enterprise and innovation within the global economic conversation ensuring that the country’s emerging entrepreneurs are not merely observers of the global technology economy, but active contributors to its future.
