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.
Notes to Editor
Heidi Smith is the Director of Public Engagement at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. She gave welcome
remarks at the forum.
Prof. Dr. Sumaira Rehman is Rector of Superior University and spoke on university–industry
collaboration and entrepreneurship.
Scott Fox is an American entrepreneur and angel investor who delivered a virtual keynote on investment
readiness and U.S. market entry.
Professor Iqrar is Chairman of the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) and performed the
forum’s opening ceremony.
