FIZZA QAISAR
ISLAMABAD: The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, in collaboration with the Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP), hosted the SEE Global Economic – Entrepreneurship & Investment Readiness Forum at the U.S. Educational Foundation in Pakistan Auditorium, Islamabad, bringing together around 150 entrepreneurs, ORIC incubation centre directors, startup founders and innovation ecosystem leaders.
The forum opened with welcome remarks by Ms. Heidi Smith, Director of Public Engagement at the U.S. Embassy, Islamabad. An Entrepreneurship and Trade Spotlight followed, featuring presentations on U.S.-Pakistan commercial engagement and resources available to Pakistani companies seeking access to the U.S. market.
Professor Iqrar, Chairman of the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC), formally opened the forum and highlighted the importance of strengthening entrepreneurship and innovation within Pakistan’s higher education sector.
The forum also featured TED-style talks. Prof. Dr. Sumaira Rehman, Rector of Superior University, spoke on university-industry collaboration and emphasized the role of entrepreneurship in empowering young people and transforming innovative ideas into sustainable economic opportunities.
Air Vice Marshal Dr. Rizwan Riaz, Pro Rector of the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), shared insights on research commercialization.
The forum’s centrepiece was a virtual keynote by American entrepreneur and angel investor Scott Fox, who provided practical guidance on entering the U.S. market, developing investor-ready ventures, strengthening governance and transparency, and accessing U.S.-aligned capital and investor networks.
Heidi Smith said the United States remains a global leader in entrepreneurship, venture capital and emerging technologies, while Pakistan’s entrepreneurs and researchers possess significant talent and potential.
She emphasized the importance of connecting Pakistani entrepreneurs with American investors and U.S. innovation ecosystems to strengthen their global competitiveness and foster partnerships that can contribute to Pakistan’s innovation economy.
The event concluded with a networking reception hosted by the U.S. Embassy, bringing together entrepreneurs, academics, investors and ecosystem partners to explore opportunities for future collaboration.
