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Innovation Challenge Futuremakers Demo Day Highlights Inclusive Innovation Addressing Systemic Barriers

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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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ViewSonic Unveils New 27″ 360Hz Gaming Monitor With 2K Resolution

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February 16, 2026

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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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Premium Speaker Brand Reveals Major Upgrade To Kii SEVEN Active Speakers

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24 minutes ago

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February 16, 2026

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The firmware upgrade supports wireless 24-bit/192kHz streaming between paired speakers and Qobuz Connect, enabling the speakers to connect directly with Qobuz servers.



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Apple is Also Planning an iPhone Flip Alongside iPhone Fold — Here Are The Details

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60 minutes ago

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February 16, 2026

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Apple is preparing to enter the foldable smartphone segment this September with the expected debut of its first foldable device, tentatively called the iPhone Fold. However, a new report indicates the company is also exploring a second design.

According to Bloomberg, Apple has begun testing a flip-style foldable iPhone internally. The device, commonly referred to as the iPhone Flip, features a clamshell design.

Internal Testing Underway

The report states that Apple has moved beyond early concept discussions and has built internal prototypes of the flip-style device. A supply chain source said the company has conducted testing but has not yet committed to mass production.

Earlier reports from established industry analysts also suggested Apple was evaluating a square, flip-style form factor. This points to broader experimentation with foldable designs rather than focusing on a single model.

Launch Date

Details about the testing phase remain limited. However, the presence of working prototypes indicates Apple is assessing multiple design directions before finalizing its long-term foldable strategy.

Industry speculation suggests that the earliest possible launch window for a flip-style iPhone could be around 2027. A later release remains possible, depending on technological development and market demand.

Apple is expected to monitor consumer response to its first book-style foldable before deciding whether to move forward with another form factor.

Different Designs for Different Users

The book-style foldable, expected to launch first, will likely emphasize productivity. It is anticipated to feature a large inner display that delivers tablet-like functionality when unfolded.

In contrast, a clamshell foldable would target users who prioritize portability and compact design. The device would offer a smaller folded footprint, similar to existing flip-style models such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Motorola Razr 60.





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