Pakistan is celebrating the success of seven young innovators who were recognized on the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2024! These inspiring individuals are shaking up industries and creating fresh solutions across various sectors.
Breaking Barriers and Funding Dreams
Aleena Nadeem, a graduate of MIT, is making waves in the education sector with her Lahore-based startup EduFi. Inspired by her own experiences, Aleena created a “Study Now Pay Later” program that helps more Pakistani students access higher education. EduFi partners with colleges, assesses creditworthiness, and directly pays tuition fees for approved students, who then repay the loan in manageable installments.
Art with a Message
Bushra Sultan, a multi-talented artist and filmmaker based in Lahore, is using her creativity to challenge social norms. Her work, particularly in fashion and beauty, often tackles issues faced by women in Pakistan. One powerful campaign called “Guria” featured women controlled by strings, a commentary on the expectations placed on brides in Pakistani weddings.
Financial Innovation for Workers
Sarkhail Shahid Bawany is leading the way in financial technology with Abhi, a Pakistan-based fintech company. Abhi empowers workers by providing them with access to a portion of their salary before payday, helping them manage unexpected expenses. The company operates on a B2B2C model, partnering with businesses to offer this service as an employee benefit, and has even expanded to the Middle East and Bangladesh.
Revolutionizing Logistics
Kasra Zunnaiyyer, the CTO of Karachi-based Trukkr, is transforming Pakistan’s logistics industry. Trukkr’s innovative platform provides small and medium-sized trucking companies with a one-stop solution for managing finances, tracking fleets, and connecting with customers. Established in 2020, Trukkr’s technology has attracted the attention of global investors, highlighting the potential of Pakistan’s tech scene.
Empowering Freelancers
The co-founders of Linkstar, Adeel Abid, Aizaz Nayyer, and Ali Raza, are making a difference in the world of freelancing. Their Karachi-based platform offers freelancers a free way to create professional portfolio websites. The platform even provides access to online courses, helping freelancers hone their skills and secure more work. Further expanding their reach, Linkstar acquired Oliv, a Dubai-based platform connecting companies with students and graduates, in 2023.
These seven young Pakistanis are shining examples of innovation and determination. Their achievements inspire others to chase their dreams and contribute to a brighter future for Pakistan and the region!
