From NIC Islamabad’s MakerSpace to the global stage, Strydex Robotics and EKKO are turning bold ideas into real-world impact.

Every year, SEE Pakistan’s World Startup Championship brings together the country’s boldest entrepreneurs, the problem-solvers, the innovators, the ones crazy enough to think they can change the world.

This year, two names left an unforgettable mark: Strydex Robotics and EKKO.

Strydex Robotics is redefining the possibilities of stroke rehabilitation, helping patients regain movement and independence with innovation and care. EKKO is transforming the landscape of speech therapy, giving children the tools and support they need to express themselves confidently. Together, their achievements demonstrate the power of vision, determination, and the impact a dedicated startup team can have on real human lives.

Strydex Robotics Restoring Movement, Restoring Hope

Incubated at NIC Islamabad, Strydex Robotics is on a mission to prove a point: stroke recovery doesn’t have to be painfully slow, impossibly hard, or out of reach.

At the heart of this mission is founder Hadi Muhammad, whose vision and determination have been the driving force behind the startup’s journey. Alongside his talented teammates Ahyan Ahmed the Strydex team has worked tirelessly to blend compassion with cutting-edge engineering.

From long nights in NIC Islamabad’s MakerSpace to countless rounds of prototyping, testing, and refining, their dedication has transformed an ambitious idea into life-changing rehabilitation devices. These products are now helping stroke survivors not only regain movement, but also rebuild confidence, independence, and hope for the future.

Their win at the World Startup Championship 2025 isn’t just a medal  it’s a reminder to startups everywhere that:

• Build for real people, not just markets
  
• Learn from those who’ve walked the path before
  
• Use every resource to its fullest
  
• Stay connected to your ecosystem

EKKO, Giving Every Child a Chance to Speak

Also incubated at NIC Islamabad, EKKO is on a mission to give every child the chance to find their voice.

Co-founded by Ismail Nasir, EKKO was born from a deep understanding of the struggles faced by millions living with speech disorders including the 15 million people in Pakistan who often lack access to affordable, effective therapy. With compassion as their guide and innovation as their tool, the team set out to create a solution that could reach families everywhere.

Their breakthrough came in the form of a non-invasive, portable vibrational therapy device paired with an assistive platform, empowering parents to deliver safe and effective therapy at home. Built and refined within the collaborative ecosystem of NIC Islamabad, EKKO’s technology is stimulating oral-motor pathways, activating key neural circuits for speech production all without drugs, side effects, or constant clinical dependency.

From their eye-catching stall at the World Startup Championship 2025 to the lives they are changing beyond the event, EKKO stands as proof that when empathy meets innovation, impact follows.

Powered by NIC Islamabad’s Acceleration Program

The success of both Strydex Robotics and EKKO is also a testament to the world-class acceleration program at NIC Islamabad. With expert mentorship, state-of-the-art facilities, and a thriving community of innovators, NIC Islamabad has become the launchpad for some of Pakistan’s most impactful startups.

If you’ve got the idea, the grit, and the will to build this is your sign.
Apply now to NIC Islamabad’s next cohort and take your first step towards the spotlight.

A Win for the Ecosystem

Both Strydex Robotics and EKKO prove that Pakistan’s startup ecosystem is brimming with ideas that can stand on the global stage. They remind us that wins like these are not just for the founders, they’re for the patients, parents, and people whose lives are transformed.

To every aspiring founder reading this:

• Start with a problem that matters.
  
• Build with purpose.
  
• Lean on the ecosystem.
  
• And never forget your “why” will take you further than your “what.”
  

Celebrating Vision and Grit

The journeys of Strydex Robotics and EKKO show how purpose, perseverance, and the right ecosystem like NIC Islamabad can turn bold ideas into life-changing impact.

For aspiring founders: start with a meaningful mission, build with heart, and leverage the support around you. The stage is set, will your startup be next?

Apply now to NIC Islamabad’s next cohort and start your journey.

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