ISLAMABAD, June 24, 2026: Pathfinder CITADEL has inducted its second cohort of startups into its accelerator programme, bringing together founders, investors, mentors, and industry leaders at an orientation event held in Islamabad.
The event, titled “CITADEL Cohort 2 Orientation & The Founders Meet 2026,” focused on strengthening Pakistan’s startup ecosystem by addressing gaps in mentorship, networking, and access to investment opportunities.
The Pathfinder CITADEL Cohort 2 startups onboarding programme marks the latest phase of the accelerator’s efforts to support early-stage entrepreneurs in scaling and competing in domestic and international markets.
Held at Amaani Bagh, Islamabad, the gathering carried the theme “Bridging the Access Gap for Pakistan’s Next Generation of Founders” and highlighted the role of ecosystem support in enabling startup growth.
Leaders stress mentorship and ecosystem support
Senior figures from Pathfinder Group and partner organizations attended the event, including Co-Chairman Ikram Sehgal, former Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal (R) Arshad Malik, and Pathfinder CITADEL President AVM (R) Asad Ikram.
Speakers emphasized the importance of mentorship, resilience, and continuous learning for entrepreneurs navigating early-stage challenges. They also stressed the need to connect startups with structured guidance, capital access, and industry networks.
Ikram Sehgal highlighted Pathfinder Group’s focus on strengthening Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem and improving global visibility for local startups.
Panel discussions focus on startup challenges
A panel discussion titled “The Access Gap – What Every Founder Needs But No One Teaches” examined key startup challenges, including product-market fit, fundraising, customer acquisition, unit economics, and sustainable business models.
Participants noted that while Pakistan has a growing pool of entrepreneurial talent, limited access to experienced mentorship and structured networks remains a key barrier to scaling startups.
The event also included startup showcases, networking sessions, and interactions between founders, investors, academics, and industry representatives.
Organizers said the Cohort 2 onboarding aims to strengthen collaboration within Pakistan’s startup ecosystem and improve access to tools, expertise, and investment opportunities.
ALso Read: NCCIA Launches Inquiry Into Alleged Misinformation Campaign Targeting Easypaisa
Today's E-Paper