Tech
Innovation Challenge Futuremakers Demo Day Highlights Inclusive Innovation Addressing Systemic Barriers
In a country where access to capital, technology, and opportunity remains uneven, Innovation Challenge Futuremakers (ICF) is working to shift the innovation narrative toward inclusion. The program’s Demo Day for Cohorts 3 and 4 showcased how purpose-driven startups are addressing social, economic, and accessibility gaps through innovation.
The event marked the culmination of an intensive incubation journey under the ICF program, implemented by DeafTawk in collaboration with Sightsavers and funded by Standard Chartered Foundation. Throughout the program, entrepreneurs with disabilities were supported to refine solutions that address real‑world challenges and strengthen their business ideas.
Speaking on the importance of inclusive innovation, Munazza Gillani, Country Director at Sightsavers, noted that inclusion must be intentional. “Innovation only creates real impact when it is designed with those most often excluded in mind. Programs like ICF show that accessibility and innovation can, and must, go hand in hand.”
Highlighting the role of responsible finance and private sector engagement, Tasneem Mirza, Head Community Impact and Engagement at Standard Chartered, Pakistan, shared that “supporting inclusive entrepreneurship is not just about funding ideas, but about enabling ecosystems where innovation contributes to shared prosperity.”
A central focus of the Demo Day was the role of inclusive design and responsible innovation in creating long-term impact. Speakers emphasized that innovation cannot be considered successful if it excludes those most affected by systemic barriers. Discussions highlighted the need for accessible technologies, inclusive financing, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure that innovation contributes to equitable growth rather than widening existing gaps.
Startups from Cohorts 3 and 4 presented solutions targeting critical challenges such as accessibility, employment, and service delivery. Their pitches reflected a growing shift within Pakistan’s startup ecosystem, from profit-first models to impact-led ventures designed with inclusion at their core.
Demonstrating tangible outcomes of the program, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NADRA Technologies Limited and Cohort 3 startup Reinn Raus, signaling increased institutional openness to working with inclusive startups and scaling their solutions within public systems.
Government and development sector representatives reiterated the importance of enabling policies, digital infrastructure, and partnerships that support inclusive entrepreneurship. The presence of senior officials underscored a shared recognition that innovation-led growth must also be people-centred and accessible.
In his remarks as Chief Guest, Mr. Zarrar Hasham Khan, Secretary IT & Telecommunication, emphasized the government’s role in enabling innovation that serves all citizens. “Inclusive innovation strengthens our digital future by ensuring that no segment of society is left behind,” he said.
Innovation Challenge Futuremakers continues to strengthen Pakistan’s inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem by equipping startups with the tools, mentorship, and platforms needed to transform ideas into impact, contributing to a future where innovation works for everyone, not just a few.
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The federal government has launched new fiber and broadband projects to deliver high-speed internet access to two Sindh districts, Badin and Sanghar, as part of its ongoing digital expansion drive.
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja made the announcement while speaking at a project award ceremony for the connectivity initiatives.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating digital transformation and expanding reliable internet access to underserved communities.
The projects are being implemented through the Universal Service Fund under the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication. They are designed to extend reliable, high-speed internet access to underserved communities across the country.
Khawaja described digital connectivity as a cornerstone of economic growth. She said improved internet access would help youth, freelancers, and small businesses integrate into the digital economy.
She also announced that the upcoming 600 MHz spectrum auction is expected to significantly enhance mobile internet capacity and improve service quality nationwide, strengthening e-commerce, e-governance, and online public service delivery.
During the ceremony, contracts were awarded to Dancom Pakistan and Jazz to expand high-speed connectivity infrastructure in the targeted districts.
Governor Kamran Khan Tessori praised the ministry’s digital transformation initiatives and acknowledged the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in promoting technology-driven development.
Separately, the minister visited the IT facility of Saylani Welfare International Trust, where she addressed a technology event highlighting Pakistan’s youth potential and the growing role of artificial intelligence.
ViewSonic has introduced its latest gaming monitor, the ViewSonic VX27G26-2K-3, aimed at competitive gamers and esports players. The company has not disclosed pricing or availability, though the monitor is expected to launch first in China.
Display and Performance
The VX27G26-2K-3 features a 27-inch QHD Fast IPS panel with a resolution of 2560 × 1440 and a 16:9 aspect ratio. It supports a native 360Hz refresh rate and a 1ms GTG response time, designed to deliver smooth and responsive gameplay.
The panel supports HDR10 and reaches a peak brightness of 450 nits, with a minimum brightness of 400 nits. It offers a 1000:1 static contrast ratio and covers 100% of the sRGB color gamut, along with 98% of the DCI-P3 color space.
Connectivity
ViewSonic has equipped the monitor with two HDMI 2.1 ports and two DisplayPort 1.4 inputs. The HDMI ports support refresh rates up to 320Hz, while the DisplayPort connections allow the full native 360Hz refresh rate.
The monitor is compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync technologies to reduce screen tearing and stuttering during gameplay.
Design and Gaming Features
The VX27G26-2K-3 includes low blue light and flicker-free technologies to help reduce eye strain. It also supports customizable crosshairs, multiple color modes, and a Night Vision mode for improved clarity in dark scenes.
The design features three side borderless bezels and ambient lighting with an esports-style “G” accent.
The monitor does not include built-in speakers. Its stand supports tilt adjustments from minus 5 degrees to 20 degrees. Users can also mount the display using a 100 × 100mm VESA bracket.
The VX27G26-2K-3 weighs 4.3kg with the stand and 3.5kg without it.
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