Idea Design Competition- Government College University Lahore

The idea design competition was held after comprehensive training and capacity enhancement on critical thinking, entrepreneurship and business communication. The beneficiaries designed innovative ideas and projects addressing thematic areas of the project such as critical thinking, economic empowerment and inclusion, women empowerment, combatting gender-based violence and strengthening women’s voices. We received ideas ranging from tech startups to community engagement solutions. 19 students and 06 teacher ideas were shortlisted and invited to pitch at the Women Development Center of GCU Lahore on March 14, 2023. 

Since most students and teachers were from social sciences background, a special session with a pitching coach was arranged to help them master their pitches. Ms. Mahrukh Qadeer(startup advisor, mentor and coach) talked to the audience about making a positive impression and communicating important insights to investors. Mock pitching session was held for all participants to guide them about lackings and shortfalls.

The competition was judged by Mr. Sohaib Zafar(Project Director Women Resource Center and Incubator), Ms. Sabohi Ali (Senior Program Manager Shaoor Foundation) and Mr.  Sufian Ahmad (Director Business Incubation Center Government College University Lahore). Three winners for teachers and three winners for students will be given a total seed money of 600,000 PKR.

Winner from Students category were Fiza Mushtaq her Idea was Ecopad, First Runner Up was Khazima and Yousaf their idea was Yousaf Munawar Trainings, second Runner Up was Maneeha Ajmal her idea was about BioPlastic.

Winner from Teachers category was Sumera Khalil her idea was Ralli: Ao kahani bunie, First Runner Up were Syeda Naima Kazmi and Ahmad Ali their idea was The CSH Cynosure, Second Runner Up was Dr Rabia Iftikhar her idea was about Rehnuma: Meri Saheli.

Ms. Sumaira Samad- Secretary Women Development Department Punjab graced the event with her presence and appreciated the efforts of Shaoor Foundation for providing the opportunities to the females. She encouraged the audience to aspire to be job creators rather than job hunters. 

The event ended with the closing remarks from Dr. Asghar Zaidi- Vice Chancellor Government College University Lahore where he mentioned financial independence is important for women, as it provides them with a sense of security and autonomy. 

We hope the seed grants will be a breakthrough for many winners and set an example for their fellows.