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Entrepreneurship Talent Program

Habib University’s Entrepreneurship Talent Program is designed to cultivate entrepreneurial spirit across diverse disciplines, from arts and humanities to science and engineering, particularly with the integration of our liberal arts ethos. This unique ecosystem fosters creativity, critical thinking, and reparative innovation, enabling students to address pressing global and local challenges with sustainable, socially-conscious solutions.

Vision, Mission and Objectives

Vision

To create an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem that nurtures well-rounded, ethically-driven changemakers who can leverage innovation to solve complex societal problems.

Mission

Our mission is to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to become socially conscious entrepreneurs who will shape and build a repaired future.

Objectives

  • 1. Cultivate critical thinking and a knowledge base that helps students find the right problems to solve.
  • 2. Provide the skills necessary to ideate, design and build viable reparative solutions.
  • 3. Mobilize an ecosystem that provides resources and support for sustainable and scalable execution of solutions.

Key Components of the Program

Workshops: Building Foundational Skills

Throughout the program, students participate in a series of hands-on workshops that cover the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. From business model development to financial planning, marketing strategies to navigating legal frameworks, these sessions provide critical knowledge and skills to turn ideas into sustainable ventures. The workshops are tailored to incorporate Habib’s core values of intellectual freedom, ethical reflection, and human-centered design.

Pitch Competition: From Ideas to Solutions

The program culminates in a high-energy pitch competition where students present their ventures to a panel of industry experts, investors, and potential partners. This competition serves as a real-world simulation of the entrepreneurial process, challenging students to articulate their vision, demonstrate market feasibility, and showcase the societal impact of their ideas. Winners will receive cash prizes to support their entrepreneurial dreams.

Mentoring and Advising

A key pillar of the program is the mentorship and advising ecosystem. Students gain access to a network of seasoned entrepreneurs, industry experts, and faculty mentors who guide them at every stage of their journey. These one-on-one mentoring sessions focus on refining business ideas, navigating challenges, and enhancing the impact of their ventures. The personalized advising ensures that students not only develop technical skills but also grow as thoughtful, ethical leaders.

Networking and Ecosystem Development

We emphasize building a strong, interconnected entrepreneurial ecosystem within Habib University and beyond. Students have opportunities to network with alumni, startup founders, investors, and industry leaders through various events, including roundtables and community gatherings. By fostering these connections, we aim to develop a supportive community that nurtures innovation across fields, whether students come from the arts, humanities, or STEM disciplines.

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Entrepreneurship Talent Program (ETP) – Pitch Competition

The Habib University Entrepreneurship Talent Program (ETP) is entering the final stage of its pilot year, and we’re thrilled to announce the Pitch Competition—the grand culmination of this journey!

This competition offers Habib University students and alumni the chance to transform their entrepreneurial ideas into real ventures by pitching to a panel of industry leaders, investors, and startup experts.

Why Participate?

Win Cash Prizes - Secure funding to kickstart or scale your venture

Mentorship & Guidance - Gain insights from experienced entrepreneurs and investors

Networking Opportunities - Connect with key players in Pakistan’s startup ecosystem

Who Can Apply?

  • Open to Habib University students and alumni
  • Individual and team-based (up to 5 members) applications are welcome
  • Interdisciplinary teams are encouraged

Competition Categories

  • Idea-Stage Startups

    For entrepreneurs in the early development phase, working on an idea that hasn’t yet been transformed into a product or service.

  • Growth-Stage Startups

    For ventures with an existing customer base and revenue, now looking for investment and support to scale further.

Competition Process & Deadlines

First Submission Deadline: 7th April 2025

To apply, submit:

  • A 700-word write-up about your startup
  • A 2-minute recorded elevator pitch introducing your startup and the problem it aims to solve in Pakistan
  • Submit your entries here.
Note: Find the additional requirements for your category below.

Idea Stage:

  • Proof of concept
  • Business feasibility plan

Growth Stage:

  • Proof of operations (for past 1 year)
  • Financial records (for the past 1 year)
  • Proof of Business Registration
  • Comprehensive development plan

Second Submission Deadline: 28th April 2025

Submit a detailed pitch deck for the competition.

Final Pitch Event (9th May 2025)

Top finalists will present their ideas to a panel of industry leaders, investors, and ecosystem experts for funding and mentorship

Pitch Competition

Have a game-changing startup idea?

This is your chance to bring it to life!

For queries, contact us at etp@habib.edu.pk

Submit Your Pitch