Pakistan | 10 October 2026 – Marking its landmark 10th edition, Women Tech Quest (WTQ) 2026, 10Pearls’ flagship initiative for women in technology, brought together 1,000 women across Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi for one of Pakistan’s largest women-focused technology competitions. With more than 5,000 registrations received nationwide, the event showcased the growing momentum of women pursuing careers in technology and artificial intelligence.
Held under the theme “Compete. Create. Connect.” and the anniversary message “Celebrate 10 Years. 10X the Impact.”, WTQ 2026 placed AI at the heart of the competition, challenging participants to develop practical solutions using emerging technologies while strengthening the skills needed for the future digital economy.
The event was conducted simultaneously in three cities, with approximately 200 participants at FAST-NUCES Islamabad, 200 participants at the 10Pearls Lahore office, and over 600 participants at NASTP Karachi. In addition, more than 400 attendees joined conference sessions, panel discussions, and networking activities, creating a vibrant gathering of technologists, students, industry leaders, and innovators.
Participants competed across three AI-powered tracks: Build with AI (Coding), Imagine with AI (Design), and Validate with AI (QA & Testing). These challenges encouraged women to apply artificial intelligence to real-world problems, demonstrate technical excellence, and gain hands-on experience with technologies shaping the future of software development and digital innovation.
Over the past decade, Women Tech Quest has evolved into a nationally recognised platform that helps bridge the gender gap in technology by providing women with opportunities to develop skills, gain visibility, build professional networks, and connect with industry leaders. The milestone edition underscored the critical role women will play in Pakistan’s rapidly expanding digital and AI ecosystem.
The event welcomed distinguished guests from government, academia, diplomacy, and industry, including H.E. Alison Blackburne, British Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi; Ben Warrington, Head of Lahore Office, British High Commission; Aman Arman, Chief of Staff, Office of AI & Special Initiatives; and Sidra Jawaid, Head of Governance, Digital Banking, The Bank of Punjab (BOP). Their participation highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in accelerating women’s inclusion in technology and innovation.
“Ten years ago, Women Tech Quest began with a simple but powerful goal: to create opportunities for women to demonstrate their talent, strengthen their skills, and build meaningful careers in technology. Today, as 1,000 women across three cities come together to compete, learn, and innovate with AI, we are reminded that the talent and ambition are already here. What matters is creating the platforms and pathways that enable women to turn their potential into impact. WTQ is more than a competition; it is an investment in Pakistan’s next generation of women technology leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers. By expanding access to skills, visibility, and opportunity, we are helping build a more inclusive digital future for Pakistan,” said Rabia Azfar Nizami, Managing Director, Middle East & Pakistan, 10Pearls.
The event concluded with nine winners recognized across the three competition tracks, receiving a combined PKR 500,000 in prize money, alongside AI credits and giveaways from Google and Figma. Backed by partners including Lay’s, The Bank of Punjab, Figma, Hilton Pharma, and Cheezious, WTQ 2026 reinforced a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive technology ecosystem. By equipping women with access to emerging technologies, industry networks, and opportunities to showcase their skills, the initiative continues to help build the next generation of innovators, leaders, and changemakers driving Pakistan’s digital transformation.
