WDD organizes entrepreneurial pitch competition for female students

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th May, 2026) Punjab Women Development Department (WDD) organized an “Entrepreneurial Female Youth Pitch Competition” at the Maryam Nawaz Women Complex, where female students from public and private universities across Punjab presented their business ideas and products, here on Saturday.

According to details, the programme was conducted through a structured three-stage process under which a total of 437 business ideas were registered online. During the first stage at university level, 437 ideas participated in competitions held at their respective institutions, out of which 59 best ideas were forwarded to the Women Development Department Punjab. In the second stage, an expert committee evaluated the submissions and shortlisted 49 ideas for the provincial final. In the final stage, 49 selected students presented their business ideas, including 15 participants physically and 34 online.

Addressing the ceremony, Parliamentary Secretary of Women Development Department Punjab Saadia Taimur said the successful organization of the programme was made possible through the collective efforts of all stakeholders. She said the initiative reflected the department’s vision to provide equal opportunities to women in social and economic development and to promote leadership qualities among young female students.

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She said the programme would help strengthen women’s economic inclusion and support them in emerging as successful entrepreneurs. She added that seed funding would also be provided to successful participants to help them transform their business plans into practical ventures.

The competition featured ideas related to digital and IT solutions, agribusiness, creative and cultural industries, health and wellness, environmentally friendly businesses and social enterprises. The projects were evaluated on the basis of innovation, sustainability, marketing strategy, revenue model, social impact and scalability.

The jury panel included Usman Khan, Dr Muneeba Iftikhar and Dr Faiza Ali, who reviewed the business ideas and products in detail.

Under the programme, 54 shortlisted business projects will be provided special mentorship in Lahore, while the top 10 successful female students will receive seed funding ranging from Rs500,000 to Rs1 million.

Talking on the occasion, WDD Secretary Saman Rai said female students enrolled in any discipline from second semester onwards were eligible to participate in the programme. She said the initiative aimed at empowering women to contribute effectively towards economic growth, job creation and community development.