Pakistan is using Pak–US Tech Connect 2026 to expand commercial links between its technology industry and the United States, bringing established IT companies and emerging startups into direct contact with American businesses, investors and enterprise decision-makers. The initiative is organised through collaboration involving the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, D.C., the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and OPEN Global. Its four-city roadshow includes engagements in Silicon Valley on October 16, Dallas on October 19, Washington, D.C., on October 21, and Chicago on October 23. The programme aims to generate business opportunities, attract investment and help Pakistani technology companies reach new customers in the American market. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has highlighted technology cooperation as an important area for bilateral economic engagement, encouraging American companies to explore Pakistan’s capabilities in information technology, artificial intelligence and other emerging fields. The initiative also reflects an effort to make commercial and technology collaboration a more prominent part of Pakistan–US relations.
The roadshow brings together 16 established Pakistani technology companies and two startups operating across artificial intelligence, enterprise software, cloud computing, cybersecurity, financial technology, healthcare technology, data engineering and customer experience management. Participating companies include Systems Limited, 10Pearls, NETSOL Technologies, IBEX Global Solutions, Techlogix Pakistan, Arbisoft, Folio3 Software, CureMD Healthcare, Tkxel, Strategic Systems International, Emumba, Abacus, TMC, Nextbridge, Excellence Delivered and Addo AI. The participating startups, Swich and Heyeve.ai, represent emerging businesses working on Web3-based financial services for merchants and AI-powered legal training, respectively. Through company presentations, executive discussions and business-to-business meetings, the participants have opportunities to introduce their solutions, demonstrate their international delivery experience and discuss potential projects with American counterparts. The initiative is designed to go beyond showcasing companies by helping them identify commercial partners and understand the needs of enterprise customers. These interactions may also help Pakistani firms assess demand for specialised technology products and services in a market where businesses increasingly invest in AI, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity and digital transformation.
During engagements in the United States, Ambassador Sheikh has invited American technology companies, investors and business leaders to explore Pakistan’s technology capabilities and consider mutually beneficial commercial arrangements. He has also highlighted the role of Pakistani-American professionals and entrepreneurs in connecting local firms with international business networks. Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has highlighted the ability of Pakistani technology companies to adapt to the expanding use of artificial intelligence while offering competitive services to international clients. PSEB Chief Executive Officer Faisal Jeddy has emphasised the importance of the United States as a major destination for Pakistan’s IT exports and the value of direct access to corporate decision-makers. Discussions at Tech Connect have also addressed the need for Pakistani firms to move beyond routine IT services and develop proprietary intellectual property, scalable software products and specialised solutions for global customers. This shift could allow companies to compete through their products, expertise and long-term client relationships rather than relying primarily on cost advantages. The participation of technology executives and investors provides a platform for exploring these opportunities, although commercial results will depend on the partnerships and contracts that follow.
For PSEB, the roadshow forms part of efforts to promote Pakistan’s IT and IT-enabled services industry internationally and increase access to export markets. The United States remains a significant market for Pakistani technology services, making direct engagement with American companies important for firms seeking new clients, investment and opportunities to expand their operations. The roadshow can also help participating businesses better understand international procurement expectations, establish credibility with prospective customers and identify areas where Pakistani expertise matches enterprise demand. For emerging companies, connections with established businesses and investors may provide routes to commercial partnerships, pilot projects and wider market access. For established exporters, the initiative offers an opportunity to present more specialised capabilities and pursue larger engagements. The longer-term value of Pak–US Tech Connect 2026 will depend on converting meetings into sustained business relationships, technology projects and export revenue. By bringing companies from both markets into direct discussion, the initiative seeks to turn Pakistan’s technology capacity into practical commercial opportunities and expand the international presence of its IT industry.
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