ISLAMABAD
Riphah International University, in collaboration with YES Pakistan, hosted the Young CEOs, Entrepreneurs and Innovators Summit, Expo and Awards 2026 at its Gulberg Greens Campus, bringing together young business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, academics and students to celebrate entrepreneurial achievements and promote stronger linkages between academia and industry.
The event recognised emerging entrepreneurs, young chief executives and innovators for their contributions to business development and innovation. A large number of business professionals, representatives of academic institutions and students attended the gathering, which provided a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing and encouraging entrepreneurial aspirations among young people.
The ceremony was attended by H.E. Munsoo Kurrimbaccus, High Commissioner of Mauritius; Prof. Dr. Javed Laghari, former Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Head of the HEC Task Force; HEC members Dr. Habib Bukhari, Dr. Muhammad Shafiq and Dr. Nasir Mehmood; and Muhammad Murtaza Noor, Founder of YES Pakistan, alongside prominent business personalities and senior academics.
*Prof. Dr. Yawar Hayat Khan, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) of Riphah International University, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation and stronger industry-academia partnerships.* Prof. Dr. Khurram Shahzad, Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, and Dr. Amjad Pervez, Chairman of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship Development, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of equipping young people with entrepreneurial skills and opportunities.
The highlight of the event was the awards ceremony, where young CEOs, entrepreneurs and innovators were honoured for their achievements. The summit underscored the growing importance of youth-led enterprises in generating employment, encouraging innovation and contributing to Pakistan’s economic development.
