Six Pakistani startups will travel to Austin, Texas in October to take part in the ATX-PAK Launch Entrepreneurship Program, according to the MIT Technology Review Pakistan.
Babyplanet.pk, BookMyUmrah.pk, ClubInternet, MangoBaaz, Affordable.pk and Virgin Teez are all a part of Plan X, a technology accelerator, run by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB).
The programme, which spans a total of three weeks, is a collaboration between Plan9 and the city of Austin. Six startups are selected every six months on the basis of an evaluated application and a series of interviews for a challenging session of mentoring and training in a Texas incubator.
On of the main goals of the programme is to give local startups access to funding and advisers. It is also viewed as an excellent opportunity for Pakistan to collaborate with the city of Austin.
Plan X Director Hafsa Shorish said the exposure could add value to the startups' learning curve by providing them with international exposure and opportunities for networking, investment and mentorship.
Bilal Athar, who took part in the program previously believes it to be a great learning opportunity.
"It was a wonderful experience which gave me excellent mentoring, access to a rich network and constructive feedback that helped me improve our product," Athar said.
Babyplanet.pk
This website has been described as a 'one-stop-shop' for all baby needs. It e-tails a wide selection of items ranging from baby formula to clothing, which parents can purchase without leaving the comfort of their home.
BookMyumrah.pk
This startup provides a platform bringing together information about flights, hotels and travel packages to help Umrah pilgrims and travel agencies find a hassle-free pilgrimage experience.
ClubInternet
An educational-technology website, ClubInternet aspires to give those new to the world of technology the tools and ability to navigate it. ClubInternet is developing technology to introduce people to basic online services such as Google, Facebook and WhatsApp.
MangoBaaz
An online information and entertainment platform, MangoBaaz specialises in their own brand of humour while simultaneously bridging the gap between brands and an interested audience.
Virgin Teez
A philanthropic cause, this startup sells original and custom tshirts for profit, with a cut of the money going to charities. What started out as a way to earn money to educate less privileged children has expanded into a huge online business.
Affordable.pk
Fashion enthusiasts come together at Affordable.pk, a fashion classified marketplace, to buy and sell designer brands, labels and accessories from each other's wardrobes.
An earlier version of this story said that five Pakistani startups were selected to participate in the exchange programme. The error is regretted.
