The program’s orientation session, featuring engaging icebreaker activities, marked the official induction of these promising startups into the ICF initiative.
DeafTawk, a trailblazing Pakistani startup dedicated to enhancing the lives of the deaf community, has joined forces with Sightsavers, an international organization committed to preventing avoidable blindness and advocating for disability inclusion, to welcome the second cohort for the Innovation Challenge Futuremakers (ICF) program.
The program’s orientation session, featuring engaging icebreaker activities, marked the official induction of these promising startups into the ICF initiative.
Following a rigorous assessment process, which involved the review of over 173 applications and interviews conducted by industry specialists and mentors, a total of eight exceptional startups have been selected as part of the second cohort. These startups, representing diverse regions of Pakistan, present a wide array of innovative solutions poised to make significant impacts in various domains.
Ali Shabbar, the CEO of DeafTawk, expressed his profound appreciation, stating, “Following the remarkable success of our inaugural cohort, we were eagerly anticipating the second one. I extend my sincere gratitude to all the startups that have applied for this acceleration program and to our invaluable partners for their unwavering support. Through the ICF program, our aim is to equip these exceptionally talented startups with the essential skills they need to not only accelerate the growth of their ventures but also to harness their innovative ideas in ways that benefit individuals with disabilities.”
Munazza Gillani, the Country Director of Sightsavers Pakistan Office, enthusiastically shared her insights on the program, stating, “The Innovation Challenge Futuremakers program is playing a pivotal role in supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities as they embark on their journey towards establishing successful startups. It’s particularly heartening to witness a significant number of women-led startups stepping up through this program. I extend my best wishes to each and every startup as they embark on this exciting acceleration phase, and I’m confident in their potential for remarkable success.”
Ali Mehdi, Chief Financial and Investment Officer at DeafTawk, joined the orientation virtually from the USA. He added, “Cultivating global perspectives is the key to entrepreneurial success. As an overseas contributor to the DeafTawk team, I’m thrilled to welcome the startups. Embrace the journey, and remember, the world awaits your innovative imprint. Think global; the potential for growth and investment, particularly in the expansive US market, is immense. I will be personally working with all the founders and identifying areas of expansion in the US market particularly.”
The startups selected for the second cohort of the Innovation Challenge Futuremakers are:
Assistive Tour Companion: Providing comprehensive support for visually impaired travelers.
Inclusive Hill: Reshaping e-commerce by offering a comprehensive marketplace tailored to the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.
Deaf Art Wala: Specializing in selling captivating calligraphy and digital frames.
Hira’s Kitchen: Providing a welcoming place for quality food and socializing, addressing a significant need within the community.
Aqua Orient Water Solutions: Serving to reduce health risks, save lives, and ensure clean drinking water.
SK Studio and Training Centre: Addressing issues of lack of opportunities by offering digital courses and training center.
ATMIS: Providing an app-based solution for the secure collection and distribution of assistive devices.
Speaker Better: Designed to assist children with speech disorders, focusing on articulation and phonological disorders.
These startups are poised to embark on a transformative journey of growth and development. With access to a customized curriculum, mentorship from industry experts, networking opportunities, grant opportunities, and a chance to attend international tech conferences, these startups will receive the support they need to scale their businesses and create a lasting social and economic impact.
The collaboration between DeafTawk and Sightsavers exemplifies a commitment to fostering inclusivity and innovation within the entrepreneurial landscape, and it is poised to leave a meaningful mark on the startup ecosystem in Pakistan.