Karachi: A significant gathering of academicians and information technology experts at the Sustainovation Expo 2026 emphasized the need to harness the potential of the country's youth by equipping them with modern technologies, skills, and entrepreneurial knowledge, as public sector job opportunities continue to decline. The event, held at the Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) campus on Thursday, was organized by the university’s Business Incubation Center (BIC) and Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC).

According to Sindh Madressatul Islam University, the expo featured participation from more than 24 universities. Dr. Mujeeb Sahari, Vice Chancellor of SMIU, addressed the students, underscoring the importance of sustainability for the country’s development. He noted that the students’ projects displayed at the expo reflected a promising direction for the young population in the 21st century. Dr. Sahari highlighted that nearly 70 percent of the projects exhibited innovative ideas, and he expressed optimism about the future role of SMIU’s I.T. Tower as a national entrepreneurship hub.

Dr. Kashif Mahmood of UITU also addressed the shrinking job market, urging students to focus on product commercialization to ensure their innovative ideas achieve financial success. The expo included universities such as Bahria University, FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, University of Karachi, and many others that showcased their students' projects.

The event received support and praise from university officials and government representatives, with acknowledgments of contributions from key individuals, including Dr. Mansoor Ahmed Khuhro and Mr. Shahid Obaid of SMIU. The gathering marked a collaborative effort to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation among the country’s youth, providing them with a platform to present their ideas and connect with industry leaders.