SEE Pakistan Journey: How a Startup Expo Became the World Startup Championship

When SEE Pakistan first launched, it had a simple yet powerful mission to give young entrepreneurs a stage to showcase their ideas and connect with people who could turn those ideas into reality. What started as a national startup expo quickly grew into a movement that is now recognized as the World Startup Championship, attracting innovators from around the globe.

From Local Beginnings to Global Recognition

SEE Pakistan began as a platform to highlight the creativity and entrepreneurial drive within Pakistani universities. Organized under the vision of the Superior University and the Association of Private Sector Universities Pakistan (APSUP), it brought together student founders, mentors, industry leaders, and investors in one collaborative space.

In its early days, the event was primarily national drawing participants from cities and universities across Pakistan. But year after year, the scale increased. More universities joined, more investors showed interest, and the ideas coming forward became bolder and more disruptive.

The Turning Point

The turning point came when SEE Pakistan expanded its scope beyond borders, inviting startups, mentors, and investors from other countries. By 2024, it had participants from 35 countries, making it not just Pakistan’s largest startup gathering but a truly international competition. The rebranding to World Startup Championship marked its transformation from an expo to a global entrepreneurial arena.

A Startup Success Story: Sehat Kahani

One of the most inspiring stories linked to SEE Pakistan is Sehat Kahani, a health-tech startup that uses telemedicine to connect patients in underserved areas with qualified doctors through an app.

When Sehat Kahani showcased their idea at SEE Pakistan, they gained massive visibility, attracting the attention of mentors and investors. The exposure and connections they made at the event helped them refine their business model, secure partnerships, and scale their services to reach millions. Today, Sehat Kahani operates across Pakistan, providing affordable healthcare to those who need it most, a testament to how the right platform can accelerate a startup’s journey from idea to impact.

Building a Complete Startup Ecosystem

Today, SEE Pakistan is far more than a pitching competition. It offers a full support ecosystem for startups:

  • Startup Exhibitions to showcase products and services to thousands of visitors.
  • Investment Pitches to secure funding and strategic partnerships.
  • Mentor Matching Drives to connect founders with industry experts.
  • Entrepreneurship Bootcamps for skills development and strategy building.
  • Corporate-Industry Pavilions to create direct B2B and B2C opportunities.

In 2024 alone, SEE Pakistan featured 103 startups, engaged 175 universities from 141 cities, brought in 30 international delegates and 25 investors, and generated potential investments of $10 million. Over 50,000 attendees made it a festival of innovation and collaboration.

Impact Beyond Numbers

The real success of SEE Pakistan lies in the stories it creates. Startups like Sehat Kahani prove that this platform is not just about competition, it’s about building connections, validating ideas, and opening doors to global opportunities. For many young founders, it’s their first step into the global entrepreneurial stage, a chance to network, learn, and compete with some of the best minds in the world.

Looking Ahead

As the World Startup Championship, SEE Pakistan is not just a competition it’s a symbol of Pakistan’s potential. It represents a startup ecosystem that is confident, competitive, and ready to engage with the world. The journey from a local expo to an international platform is proof that with the right vision and support, Pakistani startups can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global innovators.

The story of SEE Pakistan is still being written and for startups ready to take the leap, the next chapter could very well start here.

FAQ

Q1: What is SEE Pakistan?

SEE Pakistan is a premier entrepreneurial event in Pakistan that began as a national startup expo and has now evolved into the World Startup Championship, attracting startups, mentors, and investors from around the globe.

Q2: How has SEE Pakistan grown over the years?

It started as a local initiative involving Pakistani universities and startups, but has expanded to include participation from 35+ countries, larger prize pools, mentorship programs, corporate-industry pavilions, and significant investment opportunities.

Q3: Can you share a success story from SEE Pakistan?

Yes Sehat Kahani, a health-tech startup, showcased at SEE Pakistan and gained critical exposure that helped them secure partnerships, scale their operations, and provide telemedicine services to millions across Pakistan.