In a bold stride towards a sustainable future, Pakistan is gearing up to unveil its most innovative climate-centric startups at the imminent COP29 climate conference scheduled for November in Baku, Azerbaijan. This ambitious initiative seeks to cast a spotlight on groundbreaking projects designed to slash greenhouse gas emissions and foster a veritable wave of sustainable solutions, as revealed by sources closely associated with the endeavor on Friday.
Complementing this initiative, the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) has inaugurated a cutting-edge Green-Tech Hub (G-TH) nestled in its Islamabad campus. This dynamic facility is not merely a physical space; it is envisioned as a catalyst to propel the nation’s transition towards sustainable energy, bolstering green technologies, renewable alternatives, and eco-friendly innovations. It will serve as a vibrant platform where budding entrepreneurs and industry stalwarts converge to nurture and amplify green projects.
Salaal Hassan, the CEO of Ignite—a pivotal organization devoted to nurturing technological ventures—took the stage at the G-TH launch, announcing an exciting opportunity for aspiring startups. Ignite will meticulously select ten promising candidates from the agritech and energy sectors, bestowing them with a chance to showcase their innovations at COP29. Among these chosen few, three startups will garner enhanced support aimed at fundraising and job creation, as Hassan encouraged a new generation of innovators to prioritize solutions that tackle climate challenges.
Adding her voice to the discourse, Aisha Humera, Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change, addressed the audience, articulating the formidable environmental hurdles that Pakistan faces. Despite contributing a mere fraction—less than 1%—to global carbon emissions, the socio-economic repercussions of climate change have weighed heavily on the nation, she lamented.
“This Green-Tech Hub is not just a facility; it’s a fortress for young innovators to challenge the status quo, market their green solutions, and engage directly with industry players, tackling climate issues with vigor,” Humera asserted with palpable enthusiasm.
As COP29 looms, it is anticipated to draw global representatives keen on discussing the multifaceted impacts of climate change and exploring adaptive strategies. Pakistan’s forthcoming showcase is poised to not only highlight its innovative spirit but also to cement the country’s role as a proactive participant in the urgent fight against climate change.
