The AI Design Era 2026, organized by Friends of Figma Lahore under the leadership of founder Muhammad Ali Tariq, successfully brought together designers, founders, and technology leaders to explore emerging trends in AI-driven innovation. Held on Saturday as part of the broader Indus AI Week 2026 initiative, the event served as a collaborative platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and practical learning across Pakistan’s growing AI and technology ecosystem.
The event opened with a welcome address by Faisal Jeddy, CEO of Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), who highlighted the rapid growth of Pakistan’s IT industry and the strategic vision behind Indus AI Week 2026. He emphasized the initiative’s goal of positioning Pakistan as a hub for artificial intelligence and digital innovation, noting that events such as AI Design Era provide critical opportunities for industry leaders and emerging talent to collaborate and exchange ideas.
Following the opening remarks, Husnain Sarwar, CEO of AQSEC, conducted an interactive workshop on AI security. His session focused on strategies to safeguard AI systems and sensitive data, addressing concerns around ethical AI deployment, cybersecurity, and risk management. Participants appreciated the hands-on approach, gaining practical insights into how security frameworks can be integrated into AI development processes.
The keynote sessions offered additional perspectives on AI innovation and entrepreneurship. Arslan Ihsan discussed building AI-native startups, sharing lessons learned from developing scalable AI solutions, while Yasir Siddique focused on AI tooling and applications, offering practical guidance for developers and entrepreneurs looking to leverage AI technologies in real-world contexts. These sessions emphasized the intersection of design thinking, technology, and business strategy, underscoring the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in driving AI adoption.
The event concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Hurmat Zahra, featuring Ali Qureshi of Autoleap and Asfar Mustafa of Systems Limited. The discussion examined challenges and opportunities in AI adoption, the evolving startup ecosystem, and the future of AI in Pakistan’s technology landscape. Participants also explored the importance of marketing, partnership strategies, and sustainable development practices in supporting AI innovation. Contributions from MHB Consultant highlighted how collaborative initiatives can strengthen both the business and societal impact of AI technologies.
Participants widely praised AI Design Era 2026 for fostering an environment of creativity, learning, and collaboration. Many noted that the event not only showcased Pakistan’s talent and innovation capabilities but also emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing, mentorship, and cross-sector partnerships in shaping the country’s position in the global AI ecosystem.
This event is part of a broader series of seminars and workshops being organized by the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication, along with partner organizations, across Pakistan. These initiatives align with the government’s Indus AI program and aim to promote awareness, education, and capacity-building in artificial intelligence. By connecting designers, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders, the AI Design Era 2026 contributes to Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to develop a robust and globally competitive AI ecosystem.
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