Swiss Ambassador Stéphane Rey graces the national culmination ceremony as selected startups prepare to
represent Pakistan and the Global South at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2027

ISLAMABAD, 11 November 2026: Pakistan’s journey towards becoming a globally competitive technology and
innovation destination took another significant step forward 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, marked the
culmination of a nationwide startup competition designed to identify, prepare and connect promising entrepreneurs
with international markets, investors and global decision-makers. The event also formally unveiled the startups
selected for the Pakistan Pavilion at the 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 centre of that
engagement.
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 and industry leadership 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 & Fawad Hassan Khan Founders
of AI Team Force; one of the startup which Pathfinder-CITADEL took to Pakistan Pavilion at Davos in January 2026.
Dr. Shoab A. Khan, Chairman of P@SHA, subsequently addressed Pakistan’s technology landscape, focusing on the
importance of building globally competitive companies through innovation, enterprise development and stronger
connections with international markets.
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.
PATHFINDER CITADEL | MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS
Pathfinder CITADEL | Davos Startup Challenge 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.
FROM A NATIONAL COMPETITION TO A GLOBAL PLATFORM
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 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 other 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.
DAVOS 2027: TAKING PAKISTAN’S INNOVATION TO THE WORLD
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.
The event brought together a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, including H.E. Wolfgang Kutschera, Ambassador
of Austria to Pakistan, industry leaders, institutional partners and jury members, alongside the Principal and
Students of Lawrence College, Ghora Gali. The audience also included startups from Business Incubation Centres
(BICs) of leading universities, including NUST, COMSATS, Federal Urdu University, Foundation University and
International Islamic University, as well as a diverse group of young entrepreneurs, reflecting the growing strength
and potential of Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem.
“Pakistan is going to Davos not simply to be represented, but to compete, connect and create opportunities
on the global stag