13th Tameer Awards 2026: Wafi Energy Celebrates 6 Powerful Innovations by Pakistani Entrepreneurs

Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape continues to grow as young innovators develop solutions to address economic, environmental and technological challenges. Supporting this progress, Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited (WEPL) hosted the 13th Tameer Awards 2026 in Karachi, recognising promising entrepreneurs and innovative businesses from across the country.

The programme received more than 700 applications this year, a significant increase from over 450 applications in the previous edition. The growing participation highlights rising interest in entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable business development among young Pakistanis.

13th Tameer Awards 2026 Recognise Six Innovation Categories

Following a detailed evaluation process, 30 finalists were shortlisted across six categories: Circular Economy, Clean Energy Solutions, Empowering Women, Technology Innovation, Transportation and Mobility, and Bright Ideas.

The finalists presented their businesses and solutions to a panel of judges representing Pakistan’s corporate, investment, business and academic sectors. Entries were evaluated based on commercial potential, innovation and their ability to address real-world challenges.

Speaking at the event, Zubair Shaikh, CEO of Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited, said Pakistan’s future economic growth would partly depend on young entrepreneurs building businesses that solve real problems and create opportunities.

He highlighted the importance of providing emerging innovators with access to industry expertise, professional networks and business opportunities to help them develop sustainable enterprises.

Habib Haider, Director Retail at Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited, also highlighted the increase in applications, noting that the diversity of ideas demonstrated how young Pakistanis were developing solutions across energy, technology, sustainability and artificial intelligence.

Six Winning Startups Highlight Pakistan’s Entrepreneurial Potential

The 13th Tameer Awards 2026 recognised six businesses offering innovative solutions across different industries.

1. Clean Energy Solutions

Shoukat Hussain won this category for As Sammak Farm SMC Private Limited. The business uses Biofloc Technology (BFT) to improve sustainable fish farming while reducing water and energy consumption and pressure on freshwater resources. Mujtaba Bilal of Quantify secured the runner-up position.

2. Circular Economy

Zakir Hussain received the award for HAS Handicrafts, an enterprise that transforms textile waste and discarded materials into sustainable fashion and lifestyle products. The initiative also supports artisan livelihoods and preserves traditional craftsmanship. Saleeha Shah of Rent It was named runner-up.

3. Empowering Women

Sehrish Waqqas won for Dastaan-e-Rumaan, which empowers women artisans by converting difficult-to-recycle plastic packaging into durable woven products. The business combines environmental sustainability with traditional handloom craftsmanship. Dr. Khola Abdul Saboor of The Play Co was the runner-up.

4. Bright Ideas

Dr. Usman Allauddin received recognition for PAKHYDRO – Indigenous Pakistan’s Hydrogen Generation System. The project focuses on developing an affordable, locally produced hydrogen-generation solution using electrolysis. Shawal Zahid of Elaj Ghar secured second place.

5. Technology Innovation

Muhammad Osama Amin won for VM Nebula (SMC-Private) Limited and its Sarkit platform. Using AI-powered, voice-first retail management, the platform helps traditional bazaar merchants manage complex inventories through everyday speech. Arslan Ahmad of Sayvron AI Inc was named runner-up.

6. Transportation and Mobility

Ather Nadeem received the award for Sarai by Thingsty, Pakistan’s smart EV charging platform. The solution helps electric vehicle owners locate charging stations, plan vehicle-specific journeys and access app-based charging through an integrated IoT-powered system. Abdul Mateen of NUVEX (Private) Limited was the runner-up.

Wafi Energy Continues Supporting Young Entrepreneurs in Pakistan

The Tameer Awards have supported Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem for more than two decades. Across its previous editions, the programme has supported over 1,200 startups and reached more than 1.5 million young Pakistanis through entrepreneurship initiatives.

Beyond recognising promising businesses, the platform provides entrepreneurs with opportunities to showcase their ideas, connect with industry leaders and access wider business networks locally and internationally.

The latest edition reflects the growing potential of Pakistan’s startup ecosystem, particularly in clean energy, artificial intelligence, sustainable manufacturing and electric mobility.

Through the 13th Tameer Awards 2026, Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited continues its commitment to encouraging young innovators to turn promising ideas into sustainable businesses, creating economic opportunities and contributing to Pakistan’s long-term development.