Pakistan’s technology sector is getting another opportunity to showcase its growing potential as the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) opens applications for its 22nd ICT Awards. The competition welcomes companies, startups, public sector organizations, and students from across the country.
The awards will also provide Pakistan’s route to the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2026. Winners and runners-up will represent Pakistan at the international competition in Jakarta, Indonesia, later this year.
P@SHA ICT Awards Open Opportunities for Tech Innovators
The 2026 awards cover 10 major categories, giving participants from different parts of the technology ecosystem a chance to compete.
Dr. Shoab Ahmad Khan, Chair of the P@SHA ICT Awards Committee, said the categories aim to accommodate startups, established businesses, public sector organizations, and student innovators.
The Consumer category focuses on products that improve consumer choices and engagement. It includes FinTech, marketplaces, media and entertainment, and retail solutions.
Meanwhile, Inclusion & Community Services recognizes technology that improves access to healthcare, education, and services for underserved communities.
The Industrial category covers technology used in manufacturing, agriculture, energy, and logistics. Business Services, on the other hand, focuses on B2B solutions involving finance, ICT services, security, and marketing.
The Public Sector category highlights digital government solutions and innovations designed to improve citizen services.
Students can compete through digital projects developed by junior, senior, and tertiary-level learners. The Services category recognizes organizational achievements in areas such as export growth, BPO, corporate social responsibility, and gender diversity.
Technology and Gaming Categories Expand Competition
The awards also feature a Game of the Year category for innovative game developers with an established track record.
In addition, participants can enter the Technology category through optional cross-entry. This category covers solutions using Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics, and the Internet of Things.
The Cross Category option provides another route for startups and research and development projects.
These categories allow participants to highlight specialized technology solutions alongside their main entries. As a result, the competition can showcase a broad range of innovation emerging from Pakistan.
Last year’s winners progressed to the international stage in Chinese Taipei. This year, successful Pakistani participants will travel to Jakarta for the APICTA Awards in December.
Key Dates for P@SHA ICT Awards 2026
Participants have limited time to submit their applications for this year’s competition.
Applications will close on August 10, 2026. Judging will take place during August, followed by the awards ceremony in September.
The international APICTA competition will then take place in Jakarta in December 2026.
The key dates are:
- Application deadline: August 10, 2026
- Judging: August 2026
- Awards Night: September 2026
- APICTA Awards: December 2026, Jakarta
Companies, startups, public sector organizations, and students across Pakistan can participate in the competition.
The awards offer more than national recognition. They also give Pakistani innovators an opportunity to present their work on an international platform.
Therefore, eligible participants looking to expand their visibility in the technology sector can use the competition to demonstrate their products, services, and innovative ideas.
Applications can be submitted through the official P@SHA ICT Awards platform before the August 10 deadline.
