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.

Opinion

Editorial

X post facto
Updated 19 Apr, 2024

X post facto

Our decision-makers should realise the harm they are causing.
Insufficient inquiry
19 Apr, 2024

Insufficient inquiry

UNLESS the state is honest about the mistakes its functionaries have made, we will be doomed to repeat our follies....
Melting glaciers
19 Apr, 2024

Melting glaciers

AFTER several rain-related deaths in KP in recent days, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority has sprung into...
IMF’s projections
Updated 18 Apr, 2024

IMF’s projections

The problems are well-known and the country is aware of what is needed to stabilise the economy; the challenge is follow-through and implementation.
Hepatitis crisis
18 Apr, 2024

Hepatitis crisis

THE sheer scale of the crisis is staggering. A new WHO report flags Pakistan as the country with the highest number...
Never-ending suffering
18 Apr, 2024

Never-ending suffering

OVER the weekend, the world witnessed an intense spectacle when Iran launched its drone-and-missile barrage against...