Pakistan’s beacon of innovation, Bioniks, a startup specializing in prosthetics and assistive technologies, has garnered international attention. The company was recently lauded by the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, during the Al for Good Global Summit held in Geneva, Switzerland on May 30-31, 2024.
Pakistan Gets Global Mention
Bioniks is at the forefront of advancements in prosthetics and assistive technologies within Pakistan and aiming to expand its solution to help global needs. Their ingenious solutions empower individuals with disabilities by granting them back their independence and confidence.
Bioniks’ impactful work caught the eye of the ITU’s top official. Secretary-General Bogdan-Martin’s acknowledgment during the Al for Good Global Summit highlights the startup’s remarkable efforts in creating affordable and accessible AI prosthetic limbs, and assistive technologies. This recognition underscores Bionics’ unwavering dedication to leveraging technology for positive social impact and improving lives.
Speaking with CWPakistan on his latest feat, Anas Niaz, Co-Founder of Bioniks, expressed his elation at the company’s recognition by the ITU. He stated:
Bioniks is solving the world’s most complex problem of providing functional bionic limbs to everyone with the use of AI and digital technology leaving no one behind. Getting this recognition at the most prestigious global AI event, not only boosts Bioniks Team morale, but also sets a precedent that innovation can come from any part of the world. Developing countries should come forward to solve their own problems as they are the ones who often know the best way to solve it.
Bioniks also got the chance to pitch its startup at the innovation factory and received outstanding remarks on its use of technology for impact.
I’d like to take this opportunity to remind entrepreneurs again that Bioniks is not a funded startup, and has only received one small grant in 8 years of operations, yet we continue to make waves around the world. People who want to do good in this world should study Bioniks and learn how they can make their startup successful without external funding.
Bioniks’ achievement is a significant milestone, solidifying Pakistan’s burgeoning reputation as a hub for innovation and technological excellence. This recognition serves as a powerful motivator for other startups and entrepreneurs in the region, inspiring them to pursue innovative solutions for challenges on a global scale and achieve SDGs.
The event, organized by the UN Agency for Digital Technologies featured the participation of some of the world’s leading AI experts and figures, including a closing address by ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. During her closing keynote, she said,
“The AI genie is out of the bottle. And there's no putting it back. But I think there is hope. You have sent a strong message to the world that the future of AI is not yet written. I think now is the time. Now is the time that we have to redouble our efforts. Let's redouble our efforts. Let's make AI innovation inclusive. Let's build safe, secure trustworthy AI systems. And let's scale AI solutions so that we can rescue the SDGs.”
Bioniks’ achievement exemplifies Pakistan’s immense potential in the tech industry. As the nation fosters a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, startups like Bioniks will continue to pave the way for a brighter future, driving progress and prosperity for all.
