KarafarinShow (Entrepreneurs Show): Building Bridges for Startup Co-founders
A series of International Entrepreneurship events in ECO countries (Pakistan, Iran, Turkiye, Azerbaijan & Central Asia)
KarafarinShow, spearheaded by Qazal Entrepreneurship and Training Center, served as a transformative platform for aspiring entrepreneurs in ECO countries (Pakistan, Iran, Turkiye, Azerbaijan). As part of the CODE International initiative, the series hosted four high-impact events between 2017 and 2019, uniting students, academics, policymakers, and industry leaders. These events showcased groundbreaking ideas, fostered entrepreneurial skills, and facilitated cross-border collaboration, with the vision of driving innovation and sustainable development.
Key Features of KarafarinShow
Comprehensive Networking Opportunities:
KarafarinShow aimed to create the largest entrepreneurial network across the ECO region. Each event encouraged interaction between young entrepreneurs, academics, and investors, helping them forge connections for future ventures.Dynamic Program Structure:
Every event combined inspiring keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and rigorous pitching sessions. Participants learned essential entrepreneurial skills, from refining business ideas to presenting to investors, all within a supportive, collaborative environment.Commitment to Sustainable Development:
The series aligned with global goals for sustainable economic growth by encouraging startups that merged innovation with practical solutions for regional challenges.
Event Summaries
KarafarinShow 2017, Mashhad, Iran (1st CODE International 2017)
The inaugural KarafarinShow was held at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and featured participation from over eight countries, including Pakistan, Iran, UAE, and Australia. Fifty entrepreneurial ideas were shortlisted, with ten selected for public pitching and media promotion. The event emphasized knowledge-based economic growth, with notable keynote addresses from regional leaders and entrepreneurs.
KarafarinShow 2018, Mashhad, Iran (2nd CODE International 2018)
Held at Sadjad University of Technology, this event highlighted the evolution of ideas into actionable business models. Twenty-four student entrepreneurs pitched their projects, while workshops focused on academic entrepreneurship and skill-building. The event further strengthened regional networks.
Entrepreneurs Show 2018, Islamabad, Pakistan (3rd CODE International 2018)
At COMSATS University Islamabad, KarafarinShow saw over 96 idea submissions, with 20 teams presenting their innovative projects. Participants benefited from mentorship and evaluation by top investors and academics. The event spotlighted opportunities for collaboration under CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor), furthering the vision of regional economic integration.
Entrepreneurs Show 2019, Konya, Turkiye (4th CODE International 2019)
Hosted at Selcuk University, this event brought together entrepreneurs, academics, and policymakers to explore innovative business solutions. Featuring impactful presentations from startups across TIP (Turkey-Iran-Pakistan) countries, the event emphasized the significance of regional academic-industry partnerships and concluded with networking sessions for sustained collaboration.
Entrepreneurs Show 2020, Faisalabad, Pakistan (5th CODE International 2020)
The 5th KarafarinShow was planned to take place at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, in 2020, with full funding from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. However, the event was initially postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and subsequently canceled as the pandemic persisted into 2021. A comprehensive summary of the event’s cancellation, detailing the circumstances and challenges faced, was submitted to HEC. Despite its cancellation, the planned event highlighted the ongoing commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Pakistan’s academic and startup ecosystems.
6th CODE International Baku, 2023 (KarafarinShow 2023), Baku, Azerbaijan
The 6th KarafarinShow was successfully held at Azerbaijan Technical University in May 2023, marking a triumphant return after the long-awaited pause due to COVID-19. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 1,000 attendees and featured 10+ international speakers from Pakistan and Turkiye, alongside distinguished Azerbaijani speakers. This milestone event was a collaborative effort by IMAQ Research Group, Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan Technical University, and Foundation University Islamabad, Pakistan. The conference fostered cross-border collaboration and showcased innovative ideas, further strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the region.
Impact and Achievements
- Entrepreneurial Empowerment: Engaged 350+ developing entrepreneurs and 3000+ participants.
- Cross-Border Innovation: Facilitated collaboration among ECO countries, linking universities, industries, and policymakers.
- Startup Success: Incubated and promoted dozens of entrepreneurial ideas, enabling their transformation into actionable business ventures.
- Global Recognition: Garnered support from prestigious institutions such as Ferdowsi University, COMSATS, Selcuk University, and Khorasan Science and Technology Park.
Vision for the Future
KarafarinShow (CODE International) exemplified how entrepreneurial ecosystems can thrive through collaboration, education, and innovation. By connecting creative minds and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, the series left a lasting legacy in ECO countries, setting the stage for ongoing regional development.
For more details and updates, visit karafarinshow.com or follow us on social media.