In partnership with Akhuwat, the Engineers for Community Welfare (ECW) of Pakistan, and the Al-Khawarizmi Institute of Computer Sciences (KICS), AI Pakistan is excited to announce the 2025 New Venture Contest (NVC), launching in August 2025. This competition is designed to inspire young entrepreneurs to turn their innovative business ideas into reality. Aspiring entrepreneurs, including both undergraduate and graduate students, are encouraged to participate by submitting their proposals for a chance to win up to $20,000 in the form of an interest-free loan to start their business.
Competition Overview
Participants in the NVC will embark on a unique journey, allowing them to pitch their venture plans, compete for funding, receive invaluable feedback and mentorship from industry experts, and gain exposure to potential investors. This competition serves not only as a platform for innovative ideas but also as a learning experience where participants can acquire expert knowledge from seasoned professionals.
Sign Up for the 2025 Competition
Before submitting your proposal, please review the competition details to understand the submission requirements. Once you’re ready, click the link below to submit your proposal.
Award Money for the 2025 Competition
The NVC will consist of multiple rounds, culminating in in-person presentations by the top three proposals to a panel of expert judges. Prizes will be awarded as non-interest loans as follows:
- 1st Place: $20,000
- 2nd Place: $10,000
- 3rd Place: $5,000
The loans will be repayable in installments starting after the first two years of full payment.
Schedule
- Aug. 14, 2024: Program Launch
- Oct. 25, 2024: Deadline for Executive Summary Submission (Qualifying Round)
- Nov. 1 to Dec. 1, 2024: Executive Summaries Assessment
- Dec. 13, 2024: Announcement of 10 Semi-Finalists
- Jan. 21, 2025: Submission of Detailed Business Plans for Final Round
- Interviews:
- Feb. 8 and 9, 2025 (8 PM and 9 PM, Pakistan Time)
- Feb. 15 and 16, 2025 (8 PM and 9 PM, Pakistan Time)
- Feb. 22, 2025 (8 PM and 9 PM, Pakistan Time)
- Feb. 23, 2025: Interview Backup Day
- Feb. 28 to Mar. 30, 2025: Ramadan and Eid
- April 9, 2025:
- Award Ceremony where all 10 semi-finalists will pitch their proposals.
- Semi-finalists may also set up tables to showcase project prototypes or posters (optional).
Judging Criteria
To ensure sustainability, businesses must align economic interests with social and environmental values. Judges will look for participants’ plans for resource management and their strategies for creating durable, transformative impacts in a world rich in human capital. Fostering employment opportunities and import substitution will be key focus areas.
Competition Format
The competition will consist of two main rounds and a final ceremony:
- Qualifying Round:
- All registered teams meeting submission criteria will participate.
- Proposals should be submitted via the www.ippus.org portal and may include an optional 2-minute video presentation. An additional attachment with brief proposal details is also permitted.
- Judges will review submissions, and the top 10 teams will advance to the semi-final round. Participants may request written feedback from judges.
- Semi-Final Round:
- Selected teams must submit detailed business plans along with an optional 10-to-15-minute video presentation.
- Teams will present their proposals virtually, with 30 minutes allocated for the presentation followed by 15 minutes for Q&A. Judges will assess the viability, sustainability, and societal impact of the ventures, particularly regarding job creation.
- Final Round:
- All semi-finalists must attend the final round event in person at a designated venue.
- Each team will deliver a 5-minute pitch of their proposal, with the top three positions announced and awarded at the event.
Team Makeup
- Teams may comprise up to five members, with at least one member aged 18 or older.
- Students and non-students can form teams.
- A team lead should be designated to facilitate communication with the NVC organizers.
Competition Judges
Our esteemed panel of judges includes seasoned professionals from leading industries. In addition to scoring venture ideas, judges will provide valuable feedback, guidance, and mentorship to participants, leveraging their extensive industry experience.
For more details, please visit the IPP US website.