The YES Summit, Expo & Startup Competition 2026 was inaugurated at Bahria University, Islamabad, bringing together prominent policymakers, academic leaders, industry representatives, entrepreneurs, and social innovators to promote leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable business development. The inaugural ceremony was graced by Syeda Amna Batool, Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan and Focal Person to the Prime Minister's Youth Programme, as the Chief Guest.
The event commenced with the arrival and registration of guests, who were warmly welcomed by Vice Admiral Abid Hameed HI(M), Rector Bahria University. The ceremony set the stage for meaningful dialogue and collaboration among academia, industry, and the entrepreneurial community.
The mega initiative is being organised in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Task Force on Business Incubation Centres, OIC-COMSTECH, and other leading organisations and universities. Representatives of the Higher Education Commission also attended the event, alongside Dr. Javaid Laghari, Chairman of the HEC Task Force on Business Incubation Centres, and Dr. Habib Boukhari, who also addressed the gathering.
The speakers emphasised the importance of strengthening academia-industry linkages, promoting innovation-driven entrepreneurship, and creating an enabling ecosystem for startups and young business leaders. They also appreciated the untiring efforts of Murtaza Noor, Founder of YES Pakistan, for bringing together universities, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders on a common platform to advance youth entrepreneurship and innovation in Pakistan.
The summit featured a series of insightful keynote and panel sessions focusing on leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, the role of universities in business development, and women's contributions to economic growth. The keynote session was delivered by Dr. Khan, Chairman of پاکستان سافٹ ویئر ہاؤسز ایسوسی ایشن (P@SHA), who shared valuable insights into effective leadership, technological innovative practices, and the evolving entrepreneurial landscape.
The first panel discussion, titled "Leadership, Innovation & Lessons from Leading CEOs," featured Pervaiz Abbassi, CEO of ایڈونچرز (ADVentures); Muhammad Adnan Mukhtar, Convener of the فیڈریشن آف پاکستان چیمبرز آف کامرس اینڈ انڈسٹری (FPCCI) Academia-Industry Committee; and Moazzam Shahbaz, CEO of نقیبز (NAQEEBZ). Furthermore, experts discussed the crucial integration of digital transformation in modern business curricula.
They noted that Pakistani universities must adopt contemporary teaching methodologies to prepare students for the global digital economy. Panelists also highlighted the rising participation of female entrepreneurs in the national economy, stressing the need for dedicated incubation facilities, easy access to micro-financing, and mentorship programs for women-led startups.
Concluding the inaugural day, university students showcased their innovative prototypes and tech solutions at the exhibition stalls. The event continues to provide a vibrant networking forum for young minds to connect with seasoned industry mentors and potential investors.