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EN - Startup Challenge 2025

Welcome to Elevate Next Startup Challenge 2025 - Pakistan's Next Generation of Change Makers

Your Idea, Your Future, Our Platform

The Elevate Next Startup Challenge 2025 is a national-level competition designed to discover, nurture, and launch the next generation of Pakistani innovators. Targeting youth aged 18–36 (with group flexibility: at least 50% in this age bracket), the competition welcomes all early-stage startups and idea-stage entrepreneurs in four broad themes: 1. Tech for Good – EdTech, HealthTech, AgriTech, FinTech

2. Sustainable Ventures – Green Energy, Circular Economy, Waste Management

3. Social Impact Startups – Women Empowerment, Disability Inclusion, Rural Development

4. Creative & Digital Economy – E-commerce, Content Creation, AI Solutions

Registration Fee PKR 1000 - 2000, Depending on the Categories
Last Date to Register 20-September-2025

Competition Categories

Pre-Seed: Idea Stage

Participants have a well-defined concept but not yet launched operations. Focus on problem-solving, innovation, and scalability.

Seed: Early Launch Stage

Startups in operation for less than 24 months.
Some customer traction or prototype ready.

Awards & Benefits

Cash Prizes:

Upto PKR 300,000.00 - One for Winner of Each Category and One for Viewers Choice

Mentorship:

Two months of guided mentorship with experts in respective fields for top 20 startups

Angel Investor access:

Opportunity to pitch to overseas and local angel investors (post mentorship)

Brand Visibility:

Startups will be featured on SIF digital media and Allied marketing partners

Incubation/Accelerator Referral:

Fast-Track Introductions

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18-36 (relaxed for teams—50% of team members must be in this range).
• Location: Open to all Pakistanis (local/overseas if willing to operate in PK).
• Stage:
o Pre-Seed: Just an idea? No problem!
o Seed: Must have at least a prototype/MVP or early customers, Startups must not be older than 24 Months
• Team Size: 1-5 members.

Judging Criteria

Startups/Ideas will be evaluated primarily on the following basis:
• Innovation & Creativity – Uniqueness of the idea
• Problem-Solving – Relevance and scale of problem addressed
• Feasibility & Scalability – Market potential and growth opportunity
• Impact – Social, environmental, or economic impact
• Presentation & Pitch Quality – Clarity, persuasion, storytelling