Pathfinder CITADEL hosts Cohort 2 startups experts call for bridging access gap in Pakistan's innovation ecosystem

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jun, 2026) Pathfinder CITADEL on has welcomed a new generation of entrepreneurs into its accelerator programme during the CITADEL Cohort 2 Orientation and The Founders Meet 2026, bringing together startup founders, corporate leaders, mentors, investors, and innovation experts to discuss the future of Pakistan's startup ecosystem.

Held at Amaani Bagh, Islamabad, the event focused on the theme "Bridging the Access Gap for Pakistan's Next Generation of Founders" and highlighted the importance of mentorship, networking, and ecosystem support in helping startups scale and compete globally.

Co-Chairman Pathfinder Group Ikram Sehgal, former Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal (R) Arshad Malik, President Pathfinder CITADEL AVM (R) Asad Ikram, and other distinguished guests addressed the gathering.

In his address, Chief Guest Air Marshal (R) Arshad Malik praised Pathfinder CITADEL's efforts to support entrepreneurship and innovation.

He stressed upon the importance of leadership, resilience, and continuous learning in navigating the challenges of building successful ventures.

Speaking on the occasion, Ikram Sehgal emphasized upon the importance of building platforms that connect entrepreneurs with opportunities, knowledge, and networks. He highlighted Pathfinder Group's long-standing efforts to promote Pakistan's image internationally and strengthen the country's innovation ecosystem through initiatives such as CITADEL. Vice President, Pathfinder Imran Jattala underscored the need to empower young entrepreneurs and create an environment where innovation can thrive.

He noted that Pakistani startups possessed immense potential and that access to the right guidance and partnerships could significantly accelerate their growth.

Noted education and entrepreneurship expert and Special Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer for Education–Hashoo Group, Azam Jamil highlighted the role of strong communities and relationships in building successful startups.

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Director, Pathfinder Air Cdre Farhan Ahmed encouraged young founders to actively engage with mentors, peers, and industry leaders to accelerate learning and growth.

Earlier, welcoming the participants, AVM (R) Asad Ikram said the accelerator was designed to transform challenges into opportunities by equipping founders with practical knowledge, industry connections, and access to experienced mentors.

He formally onboarded the startups selected for Cohort 2 and outlined the programme's vision for nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship in Pakistan.

A series of discussions and interactive sessions featured startup founders and ecosystem leaders who shared lessons from their entrepreneurial journeys, challenges faced while scaling businesses, and strategies for reaching international markets.

A panel discussion titled "The Access Gap – What Every Founder Needs But No One Teaches" explored critical startup issues including product-market fit, customer acquisition, fundraising, unit economics, and building sustainable business models. Participants stressed that while talent and ideas are abundant in Pakistan, access to mentorship and experienced founder communities remains a key challenge.

The event also featured startup showcases, networking sessions, and founder-to-founder engagements aimed at fostering collaboration and strengthening connections among entrepreneurs, investors, and industry stakeholders. Participants included startup founders, corporate executives, financial services representatives, academics, researchers, media professionals, and Pathfinder Group partners from across Pakistan.

The event successfully onboarded Cohort 2 startups while creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing. Pathfinder CITADEL expressed confidence that the initiative would further strengthen Pakistan's startup ecosystem and help emerging entrepreneurs access the tools, networks, and expertise needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive global market.