City Desk
ISLAMABAD :The YES Summit, Expo & Startup Competition 2026 was inaugurated at Bahria University, Islamabad, bringing together policymakers, academics, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and social innovators to promote youth leadership, innovation and sustainable business development.
Syeda Amna Batool, Member of the National Assembly and Focal Person to the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, attended as chief guest. The initiative is being organised in collaboration with the HEC Task Force on Business Incubation Centres (BICs), OIC-COMSTECH and other partner organisations and universities.
The event was attended by Bahria University Rector Vice Admiral Abid Hameed HI(M), Dr. Javaid Laghari, Chairman of the HEC Task Force on BICs, and Dr. Habib Boukhari, among other distinguished guests.
Speakers stressed the need to strengthen academia-industry collaboration, encourage innovation-driven startups and establish an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs. They also appreciated Murtaza Noor, Founder of YES Pakistan, for bringing key stakeholders together to advance entrepreneurship.
The summit featured keynote addresses and panel discussions on leadership, innovation, university-led entrepreneurship and women’s economic participation. Dr. Shoab A. Khan, Chairman of P@SHA, delivered the keynote address, highlighting leadership, technological innovation and emerging entrepreneurial opportunities.
Industry leaders shared practical business experiences, while university heads discussed ways to support startups and develop entrepreneurial skills. A separate panel highlighted women’s leadership, entrepreneurial journeys and contributions to inclusive economic growth.
The summit and expo aim to connect universities, business incubation centres, investors and emerging enterprises, enabling young innovators to showcase ideas, build networks and explore sustainable growth opportunities. The initiative underscores the importance of collaboration among government, academia and industry in building Pakistan’s knowledge-driven economy.
