The Business Incubation Centre hosted AgriThon 2025 at the CAS Auditorium, bringing together academics, industry leaders and aspiring agri-entrepreneurs to discuss innovation, collaboration and practical solutions for Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
Organised with support from the Asian Development Bank, CABI and the Institute of Business Management Sciences, the two-day AgriThon 2025 featured a student start-up expo, technology product displays, inspiring talks, a structured panel discussion and dedicated mentoring sessions designed to strengthen the national agri-innovation ecosystem.
Student start-up teams from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad and MNS-University of Agriculture Multan showcased early-stage concepts and prototypes, while delegates assessed market fit and scalability within Pakistan’s farming and agri-business landscape.
Dr Hammad Badar, Director BIC, opened the event by underscoring the importance of creative thinking, innovation and rigorous problem solving for the future of agriculture. Prof Dr Abdul Ghafoor, Director IBMS, delivered the keynote on Agri Entrepreneurship, highlighting market opportunities, the potential of Pakistan’s youth and the global shift toward technology-driven agricultural practices.
The session on financing the future of agri-entrepreneurship was led by Muhammad Mohsin Muneeb Khan, Regional Manager Agriculture at the National Bank of Pakistan, who outlined available banking facilities, risk-sharing mechanisms, loan instrument structures and practical strategies for startups to manage financial complexity through disciplined planning.
A panel titled Dream, Dare, Do was moderated by Dr Hammad Badar and featured entrepreneurs and ecosystem leaders who recounted real-life journeys, setbacks and breakthroughs. Panellists included Aimen Shahid, Program Manager NICF; Dr Masud Sadiq Chaudhary, CEO Synergy Pharma; Adnan Aslam, CEO DiGi khata; Safdar Ali, CEO SB Store; and Muhammad Shahzab, Manager Green Upshot.
Hands-on mentoring sessions supported early-stage teams across essential topics. Pitching and communication skills were delivered by Khadija Yaseen and Mubashra Saman, networking and partnerships by Dr Yousaf Malik, product development and prototyping by Dr Yawar Abbas, financial viability by Dr Sahar Muneer and business model design by Dr Burhan, giving student founders concrete tools to advance their ventures.
In his vote of thanks, Dr Shakeel Ahmed, TA Team Lead for ADB-CABI, said AgriThon 2025 demonstrated the shared commitment of BIC, ADB, CABI and IBMS to nurture Pakistan’s next generation of agri innovators and to equip young minds with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to turn systemic challenges into viable opportunities.
