Pakistan 100 Entrepreneurial Boot camp 2021- IdeaGist

Pakistan 100 is a network of highly professional overseas Pakistanis committed to changing Pakistan’s image as a thriving digital economy by supporting the launch of one hundred technology companies by 2023. In their

Pre-Selection Phase, participants were given an opportunity to polish their pitching skills, and gained assistance before applying directly to the Selection Phase. Hence, teams became more competent which increased their chances of being chosen in the Selection Phase. The Screening Process adopted for the Pakistan 100-Call for Ideas, was divided into three stages: 1- Quality check of applications, 2- Scoring from the Reviewer Committee, 3- Scoring from the Panel of Judges.  200 applications received out of which, 13 were selected for the Boot camp.

The invitation call for the sharing of ideas came in November 2020, and after an initial screening, quality check, and interview, my idea of an intervention program based on an apprenticeship model, was selected. I was assigned two mentors before Boot Camp began. The mentors helped in shaping my idea, devising a business model, and developing the financial models. They played an instrumental role in making the idea precise.

The Bootcamp Pre-Selection was held from 25th January to 29th January 2021, between 9AM and 6PM daily. The program was based on four objectives: 1. Gap Analysis or what one needs to do? 2. Lean Canvas 3. Pitch Deck 4. Your Story.

The program was rigorous and required a critical lens to scrutinize our ideas for feasibility and viability yet, make them appealing to the investors. It paid special attention to the reshaping of ideas, financial management, and business model development. The course of the program had a blend of face-to-face sessions with seasoned entrepreneurs, along with angel investors to help every participant understand the market need and investors’ expectations.

The Boot camp was a new and unique learning experience. Stepping into the shoes of an entrepreneur and thinking like a business graduate were not easy tasks; they were in fact, a roller coaster ride with many highs and some lows throughout the journey. I, still managed to sail through and cleared the course with flying colors. My idea was selected for the One-Minute Idea Show, and will also be presented for an elevated pitch later in the year. The Boot Camp graduation ceremony was held on February 14, 2021.