Monday, 26th October 2026

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 distinguished diplomats, senior academics, industry professionals, young business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and students to celebrate entrepreneurial excellence and promote stronger linkages between academia and industry.

The event provided a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and recognizing the contributions of emerging entrepreneurs, young Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), and innovators towards business development and innovation in Pakistan. A large number of business professionals, representatives of academic institutions, and students attended the gathering, highlighting the growing interest in youth entrepreneurship and its role in shaping the country's economic future.

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished personalities, including 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.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Dr. Yawar Hayat Khan, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Riphah International University, reaffirmed the University's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, encouraging innovation, and strengthening partnerships between academia and industry. He highlighted the importance of providing young people with opportunities, resources, and practical skills to translate innovative ideas into successful ventures.

Prof. Dr. Khurram Shahzad, Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, and Dr. Amjad Pervez, Chairman, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship Development, also addressed the participants, emphasizing the need to equip students and aspiring entrepreneurs with relevant entrepreneurial knowledge, practical competencies, and opportunities to engage with the business community.

A major highlight of the summit was the awards ceremony, during which outstanding young CEOs, entrepreneurs, and innovators were recognized for their achievements and contributions to their respective fields. The recognition celebrated their entrepreneurial vision, innovative approaches, and efforts towards business growth and development across Pakistan.

The summit also highlighted the vital role of youth-led enterprises in generating employment, stimulating innovation, and contributing to national economic development. By bringing together representatives from academia, industry, and the diplomatic community, the event reinforced the importance of collaborative initiatives that bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world business practices.

Riphah International University remains committed to nurturing visionary leaders, promoting a culture of innovation, and equipping students with the entrepreneurial mindset and practical skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving global economy. Through initiatives such as the Young CEOs, Entrepreneurs and Innovators Summit, Expo and Awards 2026, the University continues to strengthen academia-industry collaboration, empower emerging business leaders, and contribute to Pakistan's sustainable economic growth.