Startup Weekend Lahore 2025 returned to the city with strong participation, hosted by the Center for Digital Assets Research (CeDAR) at LUMS. Held from November 7 to 9, the event focused on FutureTech, including Blockchain, Web3, Fintech, AI, Open Banking, and Digital Inclusion. Over an intensive 54-hour program, participants engaged in idea pitching, team formation, prototyping, mentor feedback, and final presentations, immersing themselves in a fast-paced environment designed to cultivate practical innovation and entrepreneurial skills.
The opening night set a dynamic tone, with 33 one-minute pitches delivered in under an hour, leading to the formation of 14 collaborative teams. Throughout the weekend, teams worked on refining product designs, validating business models, and building functional prototypes. Mentors guided participants in shaping their ideas into actionable solutions, offering technical expertise and strategic insights to ensure the projects could progress toward real-world implementation. CeDAR provided the platform to connect aspiring founders with industry knowledge, supporting their journey from concept to execution.
The event drew experts from academia and the technology industry, including Jazib Zahir, Director LUMS Centre for Entrepreneurship, Shahid Hussain, Rector LUMS, Ali Hammad Akbar, Faculty UET, Hamza Khan, Regional Operations Head of Binance, and Farhan Qureshi, CEO & Co-Founder of Winston Technology Zone. Mentors such as Ali Khan from AS Legal, Ahsan Saleem from Confiz, Osman Nasir from NASTP, and Zoha Waqas from Playpreneur provided specialized guidance on technology, business models, and market readiness. The final presentations were evaluated by a distinguished judging panel including Akif Saeed, Chairman SECP, Mujahid Ali, CIO Allied Bank, Nofel Daud, CDO BOP, and industry leaders from Meezan Bank, Bramerz, Tintash, PMEX, and Ebryx. Their expertise and feedback offered participants valuable insights to refine their products and prepare for further development.
Winning projects demonstrated creativity and practical impact. NovatraPay, awarded first place, developed a digital wallet solution to empower gig workers and small vendors with financial identity and inclusive payment services. CommitteeAuntie, the first runner-up, presented a decentralized, reputation-based committee management platform utilizing fraud-proof smart contracts and SaharaScore. AgroChar, the second runner-up, introduced an eco-friendly, blockchain-tracked coal solution for sustainable energy and transparent supply chains. The closing evening celebrated achievements through team presentations, awards, and networking, highlighting both collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit.
Startup Weekend Lahore 2025 emphasized community, learning, and innovation, providing participants with mentorship, prototype development, and networking opportunities. Many attendees left with validated ideas, early-stage prototypes, and roadmaps for funding or incubation. The event demonstrated the potential of collaborative platforms to accelerate innovation in Pakistan, fostering an ecosystem where technology, entrepreneurship, and creativity converge to support the next generation of startup founders.
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