Spokesman Report
ISLAMABAD: The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, in collaboration with the Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP), hosted the SEE Global Economic – Entrepreneurship & Investment Readiness Forum on August 18, 2026, at the U.S. Educational Foundation in Pakistan Auditorium, Islamabad, bringing together around 150 entrepreneurs, ORIC incubation centre directors, startup founders and innovation ecosystem leaders.
The forum opened with welcome remarks by Ms. Heidi Smith, Director of Public Engagement at the U.S. Embassy, Islamabad. An Entrepreneurship and Trade Spotlight followed, featuring presentations on U.S.-Pakistan commercial engagement and resources available to Pakistani companies seeking access to the U.S. market.
Professor Iqrar, Chairman of the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC), formally opened the forum and highlighted the importance of strengthening entrepreneurship and innovation within Pakistan’s higher education sector.
This forum also featured a series of TED-style talks, and Prof. Dr. Sumaira Rehman, Rector of Superior University, addressed the forum on University-Industry Collaboration, emphasising the role of entrepreneurship in empowering young people and translating innovative ideas into sustainable economic opportunities. Air Vice Marshal Dr. Rizwan Riaz, Pro Rector of the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), shared insights on Research Commercialization.
The forum’s centrepiece was a virtual keynote by American entrepreneur and angel investor Scott Fox, who offered practical guidance on entering the U.S. market, developing investor- ready ventures, strengthening governance and transparency, and accessing U.S.-aligned capital and investor networks.
Heidi Smith, director of public engagement, U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, highlighted that “the United States remains a global leader in entrepreneurship, venture capital, and emerging technologies, from Silicon Valley’s renowned startup ecosystem to America’s record in advancing AI, digital innovation, and high‑growth business formation. Pakistan’s entrepreneurs and researchers have an enormous amount of talent. They need the right connections and understanding of how to access international markets. By linking Pakistani entrepreneurs with American investors like Scott Fox and U.S. innovation ecosystems, these engagements strengthen their global competitiveness and foster partnerships that will shape Pakistan’s innovation economy for years to come. We’re proud to showcase the U.S. innovation landscape, which exemplifies the strengths of American entrepreneurship and reflects the United States’ commitment to inclusive economic growth and innovation worldwide.”
The event concluded with a networking reception hosted by the U.S. Embassy, bringing together entrepreneurs, academics, investors and ecosystem partners to explore opportunities for future collaboration.
