By Dr Saleha Waqar Butt
LAHORE: As an academic and corporate influencer passionate about innovation and youth leadership, I had the honor of attending the Falling Walls Lab 2025 hosted by Forman Christian College (A Chartered University) in Lahore. This prestigious global initiative brought together Pakistan’s most promising young innovators, each presenting groundbreaking ideas aimed at breaking walls in science, society, and technology.
What made the event truly special was the sheer range and depth of ideas—from tech-based solutions to socially driven models, participants demonstrated not only creativity but a strong commitment to real-world impact. Their confidence and clarity while pitching was nothing short of impressive.
Some standout participants included Hira Farid, Shaheer Ahmed, Muhammad Zahid Akhtar, Raees ur Rehman, Roshan Zahid, Hamza Islam Bari, Laiba Batool, and Maryam Mukhtar. Their innovative thinking and social consciousness reaffirmed my belief that Pakistan’s youth are ready to shape a brighter future.
A special round of applause goes to Hira Farid, whose compelling pitch earned her the top spot at the event. She will now go on to represent Pakistan at the Falling Walls Global Finale in Berlin—a proud moment for both her and the country’s growing innovation ecosystem.
The judging panel included esteemed personalities such as Hammad Khalique, Sarah Ephraim, Ahmed Khan, Rija Tayyab Qureshi, Murad Raas, Dr. Usman Bhatty, Dr. Jonathan Addleton, and Douglas Trible. Their thoughtful insights and encouraging feedback played a key role in guiding participants and elevating the overall experience.
Credit for the event’s flawless execution goes to Mariam Khalid and her dedicated team at FCCU. Their meticulous planning created an environment that fostered learning, connection, and creativity.
With events like this, Falling Walls Lab is not just building bridges—it’s tearing down barriers, enabling young minds to dream big and go global.
