Global ‘LEAP’ Tech Convention opened doors to multi-billion-dollar markets for Pakistani companies

Through 'Leap', Saudi Arabia's global technology convention, Pakistani companies and startups gained access to the multibillion dollar Saudi market.

Several Pakistani tech companies and start-ups hope that the Saudi Arabian digital economy's substantial investments and projects will provide ample opportunities for cooperation in Pakistan's ICT sector, not just in Saudi Arabia, but also across the entire region, according to Express News.

More than 100,000 tech innovators and leading experts are attending this four-day mega event in Riyadh. In addition to featuring Pakistan prominently, this global technology fair includes a number of other countries. There are 18 IT companies and 10 start-ups participating from Pakistan.

With the cooperation of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, the Pakistan Software Export Board, and the Pakistani Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the Trade Development Authority established a special pavilion.

As the business development manager of Sepia Solutions, a Pakistani IT firm participating in Leap, explains, the United States has traditionally been Pakistan's market.

However, the Middle East and Saudi Arabia markets are growing rapidly, whereas Europe and America are experiencing recession. In order to maximize the opportunities created by the Saudi Arabian market, IT education must match the industry's demands.

According to AgriDunya Technologies’ co-founder, the Leap is getting a very positive response as Saudi Arabia is a lucrative agricultural market for Pakistani start-ups.

Using Leap's platform, Hasnain Lakhani, Chief Strategy Officer of Datani Material Science Company, a Karachi-based start-up that makes recycled ovens made from used oven cloths traceable by blockchain and advanced sensors, hopes to enter the Gulf and Saudi markets.

Four Pakistani startups have been selected as semi-finalists in this year's startup competition "Rocket Fuel" on Leap's platform to explore demand for recyclable and traceable ovens in Europe.

The William DG account, MyTM, and Gradizen are included.