Islamabad, In a remarkable showcase of innovation and entrepreneurship, DigiBook and Creative 3D Printers Pvt Limited, two startups incubated at the Shahjehan S. Karim Incubation Centre (SSKIC) of the Institute of Business Management (IoBM), have clinched top honors at the 3rd National Idea Bank (NIB) 2024. The awards ceremony, graced by the President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi, took place at the President’s House on Thursday, February 15, 2024. DigiBook emerged as the national winner, while Creative 3D Printers Pvt Limited was recognized among the top 10 for its innovative ‘3D Printed Medical Device’. Both startups have earned the opportunity to visit Silicon Valley for mentorship and networking to further develop their business concepts.
According to Institute of Business Management, the NIB competition, a collaborative effort between the National University of Technology (NUTECH) and ASPIRE Pakistan, aimed to spotlight the best and brightest ideas from across the nation. Aurangzaib Alamgir and Bilal Afridi, the driving forces behind DigiBook and Creative 3D Printers respectively, received their awards amid accolades for their forward-thinking projects. The presence of IoBM alumni Atif Baig, Founder and Director of Creative 3D Printers, and Rida Zainab, Co-founder of DigiBook, underscored the institution’s role in nurturing entrepreneurial talent.
The SSKIC at IoBM, instrumental in guiding these startups, operates with the ambitious goal of inspiring 20% of its students towards entrepreneurship, emphasizing creativity and managerial skills. President Dr. Arif Alvi, addressing the finale, highlighted the critical need for platforms that can transform youthful innovation into tangible products that contribute to the nation’s economic growth. He stressed the potential of Pakistani youth to drive prosperity through intellectual and innovative prowess.
This achievement not only celebrates the success of DigiBook and Creative 3D Printers but also signifies a step forward in Pakistan’s journey towards becoming a hub of entrepreneurial excellence, innovation, and economic development.