Six Pakistani startups are on their way to the US for an entrepreneurship exchange programme

Published
2

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

Nuclear uncertainty
Updated 23 Oct, 2026

Nuclear uncertainty

With matters frozen in the political and diplomatic spheres, it will take military-to-military engagement to prevent miscalculation in the strategic sphere.
Auto illusion
Updated 23 Oct, 2026

Auto illusion

PAKISTAN’S draft auto policy 2026-31 is ambitious in its targets and directionless in its strategy. It promises...
Two crimes
23 Oct, 2026

Two crimes

THE senseless killing of a teenager by his employers in Multan is a crime that deserves unqualified condemnation. It...
Makkah pact clarity
Updated 22 Oct, 2026

Makkah pact clarity

Fresh aggression can kick off a firestorm that will be in no one’s control, hence it is best to abandon such reckless plans.
Common ground
Updated 22 Oct, 2026

Common ground

Regrettably, the two sides still fail to see the country’s economic, security, and governance crises as challenges that must be solved politically.
The treatment gap
22 Oct, 2026

The treatment gap

A BREAST cancer diagnosis no longer carries the bleak outlook it did a generation ago. Targeted medicines,...