1-Day Venture Capital Conference held at NUST Islamabad Campus
A one day Conference was arranged under the auspices of the Ministry of Science and Technology. The Conference was hosted by NUST in NSTP (National Science & Technology Park). The purpose of the Conference was to develop a policy framework for venture capital companies.
A policy & framework for venture capital companies has been included as part of the Performance Agreement FY 2021-22 and 2022-23. Moreover, this task is also part of the mandate and responsibility of the Ministry of Science and Technology as per the Rules of Business 1973 as, “Initiate promotional measures for Establishment of venture capital companies for Technological Development and Growth”.
While addressing the conference, Senator Shibli Faraz said, “Start-up culture in Pakistan is a recent phenomenon and the main hurdle for entrepreneurs is that of financing. Our government under the leadership of Hon’able Prime Minister aims at providing opportunities to startups and business.” We need to identify those sectors for investment by venture Capital Companies that can lead to Technological Development of Growth.
Various Stakeholders of the conference included The Securities and Exchanges Commission of Pakistan, The State Bank, Venture Capital Companies, Start-ups, The Intellectual Property Organization, Ministries of Commerce, Industries, Finance, Federal Board of Revenue, Incubation Centers and Higher Education Commission.
Rector NUST Engr Javed Mahmood Bukhari, Secretary MoST Dr Akhtar Nazir and the key-note speaker Mr Faisal Aftab MD Zayn Capital also addressed the conference.