The Startup Summit Gilgit Baltistan, held on May 2nd and 3rd, 2025 in Gilgit City, proved to be a significant milestone in the development of the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. It united thought leaders, investors, and innovators from across Pakistan to share knowledge and collaborate. Hosted by Accelerate Prosperity and funded by Global Affairs Canada, the event brought together local startups, national investors, and business experts to foster growth, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing, with a primary focus on building synergies and linkages beyond the local market
Rohma Labeeb, Country Director, Accelerate Prosperity Pakistan set the tone of the event with opening remarks highlighting the significance of entrepreneurship in transforming Gilgit Baltistan’s socio-economic landscape. This was followed by an inspiring keynote address by Luke Myers, Counsellor and Head of Development Corporation, High Commission of Canada in Pakistan. Luke stated, “I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all the participants here at the summit whose entrepreneurial spirit is driving transformative changes in your communities. Canada’s support of this summit is part of a broader effort in Pakistan aimed at promoting women empowerment, as exemplified by our long-standing partnership with the Aga Khan Development Network and Accelerate Prosperity.
The panel discussion on “Local Roots, Global Dreams: Enabling Gilgit-Baltistan’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem” featured Kamran Ghazi, Imran Shams, Asim Ishaq, and Shehryar Hydri, who explored opportunities for local businesses to expand globally and discussed fostering innovation while addressing regional challenges. Later, the highly anticipated Startup Pitch Battle showcased promising tech startups from Gilgit-Baltistan, with Bolain Kya Chahye (BKC) winning Judges’ Choice and Easy Drop taking home the Audience Choice award.
The panel on “Beyond Capital: The Value-Add of Strategic Investors” highlighted how investors offer insights, mentorship, and networks to drive startup growth, featuring Hassan Ahmed, Rohma Labeeb, Nayab, and Hammad Umer. Additionally, Faheem Samad, CEO and Founder of Calibreon International, shared his journey of building and sustaining the largest tech success story in Gilgit-Baltistan during an inspiring fireside chat.
A key highlight of the event was the Innovation Showcase, an exhibition that featured a diverse range of products from Accelerate Prosperity’s portfolio. This showcase provided attendees with the opportunity to visit the interactive stalls, meet the founders, and explore potential collaborations. It also offered entrepreneurs and investors a valuable space to connect and discuss possible partnerships during dedicated networking sessions. In her closing remarks, Suraiya Zaman, IT Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, welcomed attendees and congratulated Accelerate Prosperity for organizing a valuable event that fostered connection, collaboration, and learning among entrepreneurs.
Day 2 of the Startup Summit Gilgit Baltistan, May 3, 2025, focused on capacity building and practical knowledge exchange. Workshops, led by various component partners, aimed to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills for business growth. LMKT organized a session on “Build. Market. Scale: Strategies for Exponential Startup Growth,” funded by German Corporation through KfW, featuring speed mentoring for quick, actionable advice.
Accelerate Prosperity held a workshop on Investor Relations and Fundraising, funded by Global Affairs Canada. Entrepreneurs interacted with investors for guidance on raising funds and building relationships. GBSHA, also funded by German Corporation through KfW, hosted a workshop on Design Thinking, led by Nadeem A. Malik, to help participants build resilient businesses. Roundtable discussions, addressing topics like “Building Sustainable Businesses in the Digital Era” (funded by Global Affairs Canada) and “Agritech Frontiers” (funded by the European Union), were led by P@SHA and GBSHA, focusing on regional challenges.
Throughout the day, 17 Expressions of Interest were signed, alongside Strategic Partnership Agreements, marking the beginning of collaborative efforts between startups, investors, and industry partners, and highlighting the summit’s role in fostering lasting growth in the region.
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A Bright Future Ahead for Gilgit Baltistan’s Entrepreneurs
The Startup Summit Gilgit Baltistan has proven to be a transformative event, leaving a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. By providing a platform for learning, networking, and collaboration, the summit has helped local entrepreneurs gain knowledge and confidence to take their businesses to the next level. With new partnerships formed, innovative ideas exchanged, and practical skills imparted, the future looks bright for Gilgit Baltistan’s startups.
For more information about the event, its outcomes, and future initiatives, visit the official summit website: Startup Summit Gilgit Baltistan.
About Accelerate Prosperity:
Accelerate Prosperity is a global initiative of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Central and South Asia which offers creative financial solutions as well as pre and post investment technical assistance to help grow early-stage businesses, startups, and innovative ideas. Through targeted programs, workshops, and collaborations, the organization supports the growth of businesses all across Pakistan, empowering entrepreneurs to thrive and scale their ventures.
