SEE Global Economic Forum brings entrepreneurs, academia and investors together

Around 150 entrepreneurs, startup founders, academia representatives and innovation ecosystem leaders gathered here on Tuesday at the SEE Global Economic – Entrepreneurship & Investment Readiness Forum to explore opportunities for investment, international market access and university-industry collaboration.
The forum was organised by the US Embassy in Islamabad in collaboration with the Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP) at the U.S. Educational Foundation in Pakistan Auditorium.
The event opened with welcome remarks by Heidi Smith, Director of Public Engagement at the U.S. Embassy, followed by an Entrepreneurship and Trade Spotlight featuring presentations on U.S.-Pakistan commercial engagement and resources available to Pakistani companies seeking access to the American market.
Prof Iqrar, Chairman of the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC), formally opened the forum and underscored the need to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation within Pakistan’s higher education sector.
A series of TED-style talks formed a key part of the programme. Prof. Dr. Sumaira Rehman, Rector of Superior University, spoke on university-industry collaboration and entrepreneurship, highlighting the role of universities in empowering young people and converting innovative ideas into sustainable economic opportunities.
Air Vice Marshal Dr. Rizwan Riaz, Pro Rector of the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), shared his insights on research commercialisation and the importance of translating academic research into commercially viable solutions.
The forum’s keynote address was delivered virtually by American entrepreneur and angel investor Scott Fox, who provided practical guidance on entering the U.S. market, developing investor-ready ventures, strengthening corporate governance and transparency, and accessing U.S.-aligned capital and investor networks.
Speaking at the event, Heidi Smith said the United States remained a global leader in entrepreneurship, venture capital and emerging technologies, while Pakistani entrepreneurs and researchers possessed considerable talent that could be strengthened through international connections and greater understanding of global markets.
She said linking Pakistani entrepreneurs with American investors and U.S. innovation ecosystems could enhance their global competitiveness and help build partnerships that would contribute to Pakistan’s emerging innovation economy.
The forum also highlighted the potential of stronger links between Pakistan’s universities, private sector, entrepreneurs and international investors to create new opportunities for young innovators and startups.
The event concluded with a networking reception hosted by the U.S. Embassy, where entrepreneurs, academics, investors and ecosystem partners discussed prospects for future collaboration.