Islamabad NIC Founder’s Fair connects startups with students through live hiring and networking

The Islamabad NIC Founder’s Fair took place from April 6 to 8 at the National Incubation Centre in Islamabad. The event aimed to connect startups with students through direct hiring, networking, and collaboration. It replaced traditional career fairs with a more practical and interactive format.

Instead of formal booths and CV submissions, the fair focused on real conversations. Startups and students engaged in direct matchmaking, co-founder discussions, and even on-the-spot hiring opportunities.

The organisers said the goal was to bridge the gap between high-growth startups and talented final-year students. They highlighted a shift in mindset among young professionals, who now prefer meaningful roles over traditional “safe jobs.”

The event also featured workshops. These sessions helped students understand investment basics, financial planning, and how to present strong business ideas. Participants were encouraged to question assumptions and think practically about building startups.

More than 40 industry leaders attended a key session during the fair. They exchanged ideas, asked questions, and explored ways to strengthen Pakistan’s startup ecosystem.

The final judging panel for Cohort-5 included leading figures from the business world. Among them were Ali Shah, CEO of Takhleeq, Asma Omer, co-founder of Marham, and Monis Rahman, chairman of Rozee.

The Islamabad NIC Founder’s Fair showed a new direction for career events in Pakistan. It focused on skills, innovation, and real opportunities rather than traditional hiring methods.