Seven Pakistani tech startups sponsored by Ignite – National Technology Fund at this year’s Gulf Information Security Expo and Conference (GISEC) advanced to the semi-finals of the prestigious pitch competition, showcasing innovation amid rising regional cyber threats. While none reached the finals, the delegation secured strategic partnerships and global exposure, underscoring Pakistan’s growing footprint in cybersecurity.
The startups, backed by Pakistan’s Ministry of IT & Telecom, leveraged the event to highlight AI-driven solutions targeting surging cyberattacks, particularly between India and Pakistan. Securitanium, a Lahore-based firm, inked a deal with a Gulf IT distributor spanning Bahrain, the UAE, Ireland, and New Zealand. “Our AI-powered email security analyzes content to block phishing, which causes 80% of breaches,” CEO Waqar Ahmad
ComplianceMachine.ai founder Muhammad Ali Inayat emphasized AI’s critical role in compliance, especially under the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s new data laws. “We cut compliance costs by 50% through pre-built regulatory controls,” he said, noting Kinverg’s Gulf expansion. Meanwhile, Thingzeye’s Smart Home Firewall, protecting IoT devices and health monitors, drew attention. “GISEC validated our potential on a global stage,” CEO Ghalib Asadullah Shah remarked.
Ignite CEO Adeel Aijaz Shaikh hailed the collaboration, stating, “We aim to bring more startups next year.” The Pakistan pavilion surprised attendees like Khalid Yacoob of HiveMind Global: “It’s inspiring to see Pakistan in this arena.”
Held May 6–8, GISEC hosted 750 firms and 25,000 visitors from 160 nations, with the UAE setting 11 Guinness records, including largest ransomware awareness session. As cyber threats escalate, Pakistani startups urged youth to enter the field. “We’re pioneers the first computer virus was born in Lahore,” Inayat said. “Pakistan’s talent can lead this industry.”
With deals sealed and confidence boosted, the startups return home poised to fortify both national and global cyber defenses.
