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Pakistan’s AI talent pipeline gets a boost as 430 teams showcase practical innovations, backed by industry mentorship and a partnership expanding access to AI and cloud computing education.
Pakistan’s drive to strengthen its artificial intelligence ecosystem has gained momentum, with 430 teams selected from 16,000 applicants presenting their AI-powered products at a national hackathon. Participants demonstrated their solutions to specialist panels drawn from technology, banking, healthcare, industry and academia.
The competition prioritised the development of functional AI applications over theoretical proposals. Shortlisted teams received technical training, expert guidance, cloud computing resources and access to development tools to help turn their concepts into practical solutions with the potential to scale.
Shahid Iqbal, chief executive officer of Bano Qabil Pakistan, said the initiative seeks to encourage young Pakistanis to move beyond using existing AI technologies and start developing solutions to real-world problems. He also highlighted the importance of combining technical education with mentorship and opportunities to engage with the wider technology industry.
Yilan Zhuang, Alibaba Cloud’s head of marketing for the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa, stressed the value of connecting emerging talent with international technology platforms and expertise. Access to these resources can help aspiring developers build their capabilities and create solutions that address challenges in Pakistan and beyond.
Hexalyze Chief Executive Officer Saad Shah, who delivered the keynote address, highlighted the need to prepare young people for the growing influence of AI across industries. He linked the country’s future technological development and IT export potential to its ability to equip graduates with relevant skills.
Shah said, “If we properly equip our graduates and youth for the AI universe, not only will our IT exports grow, but the entire IT ecosystem will transform, paving the way for a technology-driven society.” He also advocated introducing AI education and practical applications at an early age to encourage responsible adoption and nurture innovation throughout society.
The hackathon forms part of a wider collaboration between Alibaba Cloud and Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan to expand access to AI and cloud computing education. Through the Bano Qabil network, dedicated training centres are being established in Karachi and Lahore, with courses based on Alibaba Cloud’s international curriculum.
By combining hands-on development with professional mentorship and access to cloud infrastructure, the programme aims to prepare young Pakistanis for emerging technology careers and encourage the creation of solutions for domestic and international markets.
