Hold your breath. This summer Plan9 is all set to bring you The Launchpad 10!
Excitement is at its peak at Plan9 as the applications pour in from all over Pakistan. Beginning its journey in August 2012, Plan9 has come a long way. From just a few applications to receiving more than 3000 applications from all across Pakistan, Plan9 has without a doubt spread the entrepreneurial virus all over! The overwhelming response from budding entrepreneurs and the mushrooming of incubators throughout the country is a validation big enough that the entrepreneurial seed Plan9 had sown five years ago is now bearing fruits.
The time has come for you to show the world that ground-breaking business idea you’ve been holding back all this time and nurture it.
Plan9, a project of Punjab Information Technology Board, is the pioneer of technology incubation in Pakistan operating along the lines of Silicon Valley. To date Plan9 has graduated more than 150 startups since its inception. Its startups are evaluated at more than $70 million, have raised a gross investment of over and above $2.5 million and created more than 1000 jobs across Pakistan.
The Launchpad is Plan9’s flagship event held semi-annually consisting of screening, workshops, talks and final presentations replicated in 3 major cities of Pakistan – Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad (but applications are not limited to these three cities; people from all across Pakistan can apply).
The Launchpad is marked by more than 100 selected startups from more than 3000 applicants from all over Pakistan. Plan9 has a number of global players on board. Google, Facebook, Amazon and Microsoft, form just the tip of the iceberg.
The Launchpad marks the beginning of incubation cycle. It is a weeklong event with the competition part spread over two days. On Day One, the shortlisted startups deliver their elevator pitches to an external panel of judges. On the basis of scores, the shortlisted startups qualify for Day Two of The Launchpad. On the second day, the startups pitch their business model once again, this time in an elaborative, seven minute long pitch followed by three minutes of Q’n A.
The winners get a spot at Plan9 for incubation. Each incubation cycle lasts for 6 months.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for The Launchpad?
To apply for The Launchpad you have to meet the following conditions:
1- Be a Pakistani citizen.
Although it is held in the 3 major cities of Pakistan (Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad), it is a nationwide initiative and teams from all over Pakistan are called to participate.
In case you’re selected for incubation and you reside outside of Lahore, you’ll have to re-locate to Lahore for 6 months.
2- Must be above 18 years.
3- One applicant can only apply with one idea.
4- Startups need to have a product-based business idea.
5- The product has to have a tech component.
6- Startup should be able to present a mock up/wire-frame/prototype of the product.
7- Startup needs to have a strong, self-motivated and skillful team of 2- 5 members. 1 CEO and 1 CTO are a must.
8- Founder(s) should not be employed elsewhere so to commit the upcoming 6 months from 9am to 5 pm to his/her startup at Plan9.
9- There’s no lower-limit for years of education of the founder(s) and team members.
What business ideas qualify for incubation?
Since Plan9 is a technology incubator, your business idea must be product based and have a tech component. Your startup could be in any domain related to technology such as:
– Consumer Tech (e-commerce),
– EdTech (Education Tech)
– FinTech (Finance Tech)
– HealthTech
– AdTech
– IoT (Internet of Things)
– SaaS (Software as a Service)
– Mobile App
– Web App
– Hardware
What is the selection procedure for incubation?
The procedure to get inducted at Plan9 is very simple. In 5 steps, it includes the:
1. Acceptance of online applications
2. Shortlisting of selected teams
3. Invitation to shortlisted teams to attend The Launchpad
4. Rating by panel of judges
5. Selection of the top scoring teams for incubation
What do you get from incubation at Plan9?
Incubation at Plan9 is no less than a heaven for your entrepreneurial DNA. Once you get incubated, you get access to:
– Free work space and infrastructure
– Mentoring on every aspect of a startup:
a. Product Development
b. Business Development
c. Financial Planning
d. Pitch Training
e. Legal Concerns
f. Marketing and PR
g. Corporate Communication
h. Internal Operations
i. Customer Acquisition
– Training and workshops by industry experts
– Legal advice of all kinds for your startups
– Networking opportunities for investment
– Connection with potential customers/clients
And much more!
So, this Ramadan, don’t let your ideas go to waste. Don’t hold back and apply now at http://plan9.pitb.gov.pk/thelaunchpad/
20th JUNE IS THE LAST DATE TO APPLY.
Dates for The Launchpad are:
Lahore: 17th July to 23rd July
Karachi: 27th July
Islamabad: 29th July to 30th July
For more details visit their website: http://plan9.pitb.gov.pk/incubation/
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