LAHORE: As many as nine startups have secured incubation at Plan9’s 10th Launhced recently held at the Arfa Software Technology Park. The five-day open event was all about bringing young and bright minds under one roof to facilitate and hone their entrepreneurial skills. More than 120 startups competed for a chance to be part of the prestigious programme out of which 21were shortlisted in the initial round. However, only nine were selected. The winning startups include Nazdeeq, NoErric, Studentary, Bag Adverts, Team Up, Her Ground, Virtual Eye, RC Health Care, and Foodappa. Apart from the nine winners, MyZindagi.pk also won a cash prize of Rs 100,000. Almost 100 startups, that included Plan9’s alumni as well, had set-up stalls showcasing their ideas and products. The stalls were visited by industry experts and various investors, who encouraged the entrepreneurs while offering them advice on how to improve their product. Workshops and expert sessions were conducted by prominent figures of the industry such as motivational speakers Umair Jaliawala, Finja Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Qasif Shahid, Latitude CEO Omar Jalil, Positive Impact Network Director Jonas Eichhorst, TCS Disruption Officer Faizan Laghari and Sarmayacar Founder Rabeel Warraich. The Startup Girls workshop, designed specifically for female entrepreneurs, was also arranged that focused on teaching them how to pitch and market their product. US Consul General Yuriy Fedkiw was the chief guest on the occasion. While addressing the eager minds he said, “I hope many of you here will take your ideas, implement them and soon we’ll be using your products. Whether you win or lose, keep celebrating the dreamer in you and keep pursuing your dreams.” Commenting on closing day, Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) Chairman Dr Umar Saif said, “This is a platform which allows a common Pakistani a chance to make their mark in the world. I hope the entrepreneurial ecosystem flourishes and we get to see Pakistani startups making it big in the world.” Published in Daily Times, August 3nd 2017.