ISLAMABAD: Jazz, Pakistan’s leading digital operator, has partnered with GSMA Innovation Fund through its startup accelerator program ‘xlr8’ to identify and support high-potential startups, particularly in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), health, education , fun. and digital lifestyle.
This strategic collaboration aims to foster innovation and stimulate large-scale socio-economic and environmental impacts, the press release said.
As part of the partnership, the xlr8 Jazz program will support GSMA Innovation Fund startups by providing digital platform expertise based on building and launching Pakistan’s largest homegrown apps like SIMOSA and Tamasha, access to 71 million Jazz users based on smart segmentation, specialized mentoring. from Jazz domain experts, extensive digital growth and data analytics and platform architecture expertise.
In addition, Jazz will offer technology development, B2B support and access to 9 million farmers and 18 million SIMOSA app users. As an outreach partner, GSMA will recommend startups with high growth potential to Jazz xlr8 and will continue to support these startups in partnership with Jazz for scalability and sustainability.
Aamer Ejaz, President of Digital Platforms at Jazz, expressed his optimism about this collaboration: “We are excited to announce our partnership with the GSMA, which is perfectly aligned with our shared goal of fostering innovation and supporting high-potential startups in Pakistan. This collaboration is also in line with our new ServiceCo turnaround, where we focus on empowering newly established strategic business units with robust services and solutions. Together, we hope to discover and cultivate disruptive ideas that can become digital successes and contribute to the digital vision of Jazz and Pakistan.”
Max Cuvellier Giacomelli, Head of GSMA Mobile for Development, also shared his thoughts, “We are excited to partner with Jazz xlr8. This collaboration is in line with our mission to accelerate digital technology solutions that address key global and local challenges by promoting digital and financial inclusion, supporting economic growth and increasing resilience to climate shocks. Together with Jazz, we want to play our part and contribute to Pakistan’s digital vision. Jazz xlr8 is Pakistan’s leading accelerator for scaling startups, supporting the country’s best entrepreneurs to grow within a robust ecosystem. Leveraging global partnerships, customized curriculum, mentor network and company services, Jazz empowers promising startups. Jazz xlr8 supported more than 31 startups, including 10+ women-led, created more than 4,700 jobs and facilitated the participation of 11 startups at the 4YFN@MWC event.
