Citadel Pathfinder School of Excellence and the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Karachi to identify, nurture and launch promising Pakistani startups toward the Davos Startup Challenge at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026.
The MoU, formalised at Expo Center Karachi, will integrate Citadel Pathfinder’s mentoring programmes with P@SHA’s industry network and resources. Selected teams will receive targeted guidance on investor pitching, market readiness and international exposure, with the process culminating in a pitch opportunity in Davos in January 2026.
Ikram Sehgal, Chairman of the Pathfinder Group, said the collaboration is aimed at turning Pakistan’s youth into global tech leaders through hands-on training that supports job creation and economic growth. Under the partnership, Citadel Pathfinder’s new School of Excellence will focus its pillars of skill development, job creation and economic empowerment to prepare startups for the competitive environment of the Davos Startup Challenge.
Sajjad Mustafa Syed, Chairman of P@SHA, highlighted the association’s experience in promoting Pakistani innovation internationally, including participation in Asia Pacific ICT Awards and trade delegations. He emphasised that the Davos Startup Challenge offers a vital platform for Pakistani entrepreneurs to meet global investors and scale innovations in areas such as AI and climate tech.
The agreement arrives as Pakistan’s IT sector pursues an export target above $5 billion by 2026, and organisers say the partnership will help position local ventures alongside global disruptors, open cross-border collaboration opportunities and provide the mentorship needed to compete at Davos and beyond.
