Experts call for bridging access gap in Pakistan\u2019s innovation ecosystem
\n ISLAMABAD
\nPathfinder CITADEL on Tuesday officially welcomed a new generation of entrepreneurs into its accelerator programme during the CITADEL Cohort 2 Orientation & The Founders Meet 2026, bringing together startup founders, corporate leaders, mentors, investors, and innovation experts to discuss the future of Pakistan\u2019s startup ecosystem.
\nHeld at Amaani Bagh, Islamabad, the event focused on the theme \u201cBridging the Access Gap for Pakistan\u2019s Next Generation of Founders\u201d and highlighted the importance of mentorship, networking, and ecosystem support in helping startups scale and compete globally.
\nCo-Chairman Pathfinder Group Ikram Sehgal, former Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal (R) Arshad Malik, President Pathfinder CITADEL AVM (R) Asad Ikram, and other distinguished guests addressed the gathering.
\nIn his address, Chief Guest Air Marshal (R) Arshad Malik praised Pathfinder CITADEL\u2019s efforts to support entrepreneurship and innovation. He stressed the importance of leadership, resilience, and continuous learning in navigating the challenges of building successful ventures.
\nSpeaking on the occasion, Ikram Sehgal emphasized the importance of building platforms that connect entrepreneurs with opportunities, knowledge, and networks. He highlighted Pathfinder Group\u2019s long-standing efforts to promote Pakistan\u2019s image internationally and strengthen the country\u2019s innovation ecosystem through initiatives such as CITADEL. Vice President, Pathfinder Imran Jattala underscored the need to empower young entrepreneurs and create an environment where innovation can thrive.
\nHe noted that Pakistani startups possess immense potential and that access to the right guidance and partnerships can significantly accelerate their growth.
\nNoted education and entrepreneurship expert and Special Advisor to the CEO for Education\u2013Hashoo Group Azam Jamil highlighted the role of strong communities and relationships in building successful startups.
\nDirector, Pathfinder Air Cdre Farhan Ahmed encouraged young founders to actively engage with mentors, peers, and industry leaders to accelerate learning and growth.
\nEarlier, welcoming the participants, AVM (R) Asad Ikram said the accelerator was designed to transform challenges into opportunities by equipping founders with practical knowledge, industry connections, and access to experienced mentors. He formally onboarded the startups selected for Cohort 2 and outlined the programme\u2019s vision for nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship in Pakistan.
\nA series of discussions and interactive sessions featured startup founders and ecosystem leaders who shared lessons from their entrepreneurial journeys, challenges faced while scaling businesses, and strategies for reaching international markets.
\nA panel discussion titled \u201cThe Access Gap \u2013 What Every Founder Needs But No One Teaches\u201d explored critical startup issues including product-market fit, customer acquisition, fundraising, unit economics, and building sustainable business models. Participants stressed that while talent and ideas are abundant in Pakistan, access to mentorship and experienced founder communities remains a key challenge.
\nThe event also featured startup showcases, networking sessions, and founder-to-founder engagements aimed at fostering collaboration and strengthening connections among entrepreneurs, investors, and industry stakeholders. Participants included startup founders, corporate executives, financial services representatives, academics, researchers, media professionals, and Pathfinder Group partners from across Pakistan.
\nThe event successfully onboarded Cohort 2 startups while creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing. Pathfinder CITADEL expressed confidence that the initiative would further strengthen Pakistan\u2019s startup ecosystem and help emerging entrepreneurs access the tools, networks, and expertise needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive global market.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Experts call for bridging access gap in Pakistan\u2019s innovation ecosystem ISLAMABAD Pathfinder CITADEL on Tuesday officially welcomed a new generation of entrepreneurs into its accelerator programme during the CITADEL Cohort 2 Orientation & The Founders Meet 2026, bringing together startup founders, corporate leaders, mentors, investors, and innovation experts to discuss the future of Pakistan\u2019s startup […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":552706,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-552700","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-top-news"],"yoast_head":"\n