Karachi, Two innovative start-ups from the Institute of Business Management’s Shahjehan S. Karim Incubation Center (SSKIC), Digibook and Creative3D, have clinched top honors at the National Idea Bank 2024. Awarded by President Dr. Arif Alvi, these ventures stood out among 2,400 submissions from across Pakistan for their exceptional business ideas. The recognition came during the season finale of the National Idea Bank’s third edition, held at Aiwan-e-Sadr on February 15, 2024, setting the stage for their next journey to Silicon Valley for mentorship and networking.

According to Institute of Business Management, the awards were presented to Digibook’s Founder Aurangzaib Alamgir, an Entrepreneur in Residence at SSKIC-IoBM, and Bilal Afridi, Co-Founder and CEO of Creative3D, an alumni start-up of SSKIC’s Cohort-I. The National University of Technology (NUTECH) and ASPIRE Pakistan organized the event, aiming to elevate Pakistan’s start-up ecosystem by connecting young entrepreneurs with global opportunities.

Creative3D, co-founded by IoBM alumnus Atif Baig, and Digibook, co-founded by IoBM alumna Rida Zehra, exemplify the innovative spirit fostered within IoBM’s incubation center. Their selection for a trip to Silicon Valley underscores the international potential of Pakistani start-ups, offering them unparalleled exposure to the heart of the global tech industry.

President Dr. Arif Alvi, in his address, emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for the youth to harness their creativity for national prosperity. He highlighted the need for a platform where Pakistani youth can turn their ideas into competitive products, thereby boosting exports and reducing imports.

This achievement not only marks a significant milestone for Digibook and Creative3D but also reflects on IoBM’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and contributing to Pakistan’s economic development through innovation.