Wafi Energy Pakistan just opened applications for the 13th Wafi Tameer Awards, and if you’re a young founder with a registered startup or even just a working prototype, this is worth your time. Over two decades, Tameer has backed 214 startups with mentorship, exposure, and funding, and this year’s edition is looking for the next batch.
Here’s the breakdown.
Who can apply
- You’re a Pakistani national
- You’re between 20 and 40 years old
- You have a registered startup, or a prototype-ready idea, in one of the six categories below
The six categories
Clean Energy — access to energy, off-grid solutions, energy distribution, energy efficiency.
Bright Ideas — for earlier-stage, prototype-level ideas with strong potential. This one’s flexible: your idea can fall under any of the other five themes, as long as it’s still early.
Circular Economy — sustainable packaging, waste reduction, products or services that close the loop.
Empowering Women — ventures that advance gender equality or improve women’s economic standing.
Technology Innovation — e-commerce or smart tech solving real problems in medicine, education, or business.
Transportation & Mobility — low-carbon transport and transport-sharing models.
If your startup doesn’t neatly fit one bucket, go with whichever theme captures the core of what you’re solving — the judges care more about the problem and impact than a perfect label.
What you actually get
- Cash prizes for winners and runners-up
- Coaching from international experts to sharpen your pitch
- Direct networking with industry leaders — past juries have included execs from Shell, Unilever, Philip Morris, K-Electric, HEC, NIC Karachi, IBA, and IoBM
- Media coverage
- Travel and accommodation covered for finalists coming in from outside Karachi
Even if you don’t win, making it to the finalist round alone gets you expert coaching and a room full of people worth knowing.
Key dates for 2026
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | August 3 |
| Applications close | September 20 |
| Finalists announced | October 5 |
| Pitch preparation | October 10 |
| Final Pitch & Awards Night | October 30 |
Deadline is September 20, so if you’re planning to apply, don’t sit on this.
How to apply
Fill out the application form on Wafi’s site, answering every mandatory field accurately. If you’re shortlisted, someone from the Tameer team will reach out directly to confirm your spot in the competition.
Out of last year’s 487 submissions, only 30 made it to the finals, so a sharp, specific application matters more than a long one.
Ready to apply? Start your Tameer Awards application here →
