The Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives (MoPDSI) has launched Pakistan’s first national Artificial Intelligence (AI) focused competition. It is called the URAAN AI Techathon 1.0, officially unveiled on August 18, 2025. Under the flagship URAAN Pakistan–National Innovation Mission, the initiative aims to spur AI development across key sectors of the national economy.
The Techathon is open to innovators from all backgrounds, including startups, entrepreneurs, students, developers, and researchers. A dedicated online portal has been established to ensure inclusive participation, reaching beyond major urban centers to tap into talent from underserved regions.
Participants are invited to create AI-powered solutions for challenges within a range of high-impact verticals, including:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Agriculture
- Industry & Manufacturing
- Fintech & Software
- Governance & Public Services
- Climate Response & Energy
The competition offers a total of PKR 7 million in prizes. Beyond cash awards, winners and top participants will receive valuable incubation support and mentorship to help them commercialize their ideas. The initiative also seeks to bolster national capacity by fostering training and supporting the establishment of AI Centers of Excellence.
According to the Ministry of Planning, the Techathon is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s Vision 2025 and National AI Policy. The government projects that AI could contribute approximately 24.9 trillion Pakistani Rupees to the national economy by 2030, a potential boost of 14.6% to the country’s GDP. This aligns with the broader goal of achieving a trillion-dollar economy by 2035.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, speaking at the launch, emphasized the need to bring the nation’s young talent for transformative change with the help of AI.
“Pakistan will not remain a spectator in the AI revolution but will emerge as a rising leader,” Ahsan Iqbal stated.
Registration is currently open via the official website, uraanpakistan.pk/uraanai.
With a roadmap that includes initial online submissions followed by a Techathon Day and National Finals, the URAAN AI Techathon 1.0 represents a significant step toward harnessing Pakistan’s innovation potential for a digital future