ISLAMABAD — Pakistani tech entrepreneur Sualeh Asif, a graduate of the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), has come into global focus as his AI startup Cursor is reportedly moving toward a $60 billion acquisition deal with SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk. The development highlights a major moment for Pakistan-linked innovation in the global artificial intelligence sector.
According to reports, SpaceX is exploring an acquisition of Cursor later this year, with an alternative structure involving a $10 billion collaboration if a full buyout does not proceed. The potential partnership is expected to integrate Cursor’s AI-driven coding tools into advanced computing systems used by SpaceX.
Cursor, co-founded by Asif, is an artificial intelligence-powered platform designed to assist developers in writing and optimizing code. The company is reportedly generating over $1 billion in annualised revenue and serving millions of users worldwide, placing it among the fastest-growing AI startups globally.
From Olympiad stage to global tech
Asif’s academic journey began with strong performances in international competitions. He represented Pakistan multiple times at the International Mathematics Olympiad, winning a bronze medal in 2017. His achievements contributed to his admission to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he further developed his technical expertise.
He later emerged as a leading figure in the AI startup space, with Cursor gaining rapid traction across global developer communities.
Role of PIEAS and STEM pathway
PIEAS, founded in 1967 with the support of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, is regarded as one of Pakistan’s leading science and engineering institutions. Asif is also an alumnus of its STEM Careers Programme, run in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
The programme has been positioned as a pathway for students to compete in international science Olympiads and pursue advanced education in top global institutions.
Global recognition and industry relevance
Asif’s inclusion in the Forbes Billionaires List 2026 reflects the scale and growth of Cursor within the global tech ecosystem. The reported SpaceX deal, if completed, would rank among the largest transactions involving an AI coding platform.
The development underscores the growing presence of Pakistani-origin founders in high-impact technology ventures, particularly in artificial intelligence and software development.
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