In a truly engaging initiative aligned with Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024, Iqra University’s Centre of Research and Entrepreneurship (IU-CORE), in partnership with the Faculty of Business Administration (Entrepreneurship) organized the ‘Connect and Grow’ event, transforming the Main Campus into a hub of entrepreneurial excellence. This collaborative venture marked a significant milestone in bridging the gap between academic theory and practical entrepreneurship.
The event was formally inaugurated by Dr. Sara Rashid Khurram, Head of the Department/Associate Professor (Marketing, Supply Chain, and Entrepreneurship) at Iqra University.
“Entrepreneurship isn’t about chasing a buzzword; it’s about embracing the grit, resilience, and vision it takes to turn ideas into reality,” she expressed, setting the tone for the event’s focus on actionable insights.
Featuring an impressive lineup of industry professionals and successful entrepreneurs, the initiative brought together some of the city’s brilliant minds under one roof who engaged directly with students, offering personalized mentorship. From tech innovators to marketing maestros, the mentor panel represented Pakistan’s diverse business landscape.
“This initiative is all about breaking the ice, building bridges, and maybe even brewing a few business ideas over coffee. For founders and aspiring entrepreneurs, networking isn’t just helpful; it’s your secret weapon,” expressed Najia Rizwan Syed, Senior Lecturer of Business Administration at Iqra University (IU).
“Starting and growing a business can feel like climbing a mountain, and events like this are here to hand you the map, the gear, and a few hiking buddies along the way,” she added further, outlining the event’s core mission.
Adding to it, Dr. Zaki Rashidi, Dean of Management Sciences (IU), emphasized the university’s dedication to creating lasting societal impact, marking ‘Connect and Grow’ as not just an event, but a catalyst for change in Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape.
The impact of IU-CORE’s initiatives was highlighted by its remarkable track record at the event. As Umair Ahmed Khan, Manager of IU-CORE, proudly shared, “Over the past year, IU-CORE has emerged as a significant platform in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, churning out 2 cohorts comprising around 80 start-ups across various disciplines.”
The event’s success was further underscored by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Nassar Ikram’s remarks: “I overheard Dr. Zaki saying that this should be converted into a brand and I extend my full support regarding that.”
“Every great thing has a humble beginning, and that’s what we are trying to do in whatever limited means we have at our disposal,” he added.
The two-hour future-focused mentoring event concluded with Dr. Ikram thanking all the esteemed mentors for participating and awarding them recognition shields.
