Around 1,000 women participated in the 10th edition of Women Tech Quest (WTQ) 2026. Organised by 10Pearls, the competition took place in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

The event received more than 5,000 registrations from across Pakistan. This year, it focused on artificial intelligence (AI) in coding, design and software testing.

Under the theme “Compete. Create. Connect.”, participants showcased their skills and explored AI-powered tools. They also worked on practical challenges to demonstrate their technical abilities.

Women Tech Quest Held in Three Cities

The competition took place simultaneously at three venues across Pakistan.

In Islamabad, around 200 participants gathered at FAST-NUCES. Meanwhile, another 200 attended the event at the 10Pearls office in Lahore.

Karachi hosted the largest gathering. More than 600 participants joined the competition at the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP).

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In addition, more than 400 people attended conference sessions, panel discussions and networking activities.

Three Categories Focus on Artificial Intelligence

Women Tech Quest 2026 featured three competition categories. Each category focused on a different application of AI.

• Build with AI: Participants explored AI-powered coding and software development.
• Imagine with AI: This category focused on design and creative problem-solving.
• Validate with AI: Participants applied AI tools to quality assurance and software testing.

Through these challenges, women demonstrated how AI can support practical tasks across the technology sector.

Officials and Industry Leaders Attend

The event brought together representatives from diplomatic missions, government initiatives and the banking sector.

Attendees included British Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi Alison Blackburne. British High Commission Head of Lahore Office Ben Warrington also attended.

Other guests included Aman Arman, Chief of Staff at the Office of AI and Special Initiatives. Sidra Jawaid, Bank of Punjab Head of Governance, Digital Banking, was also present.

10Pearls Managing Director for the Middle East and Pakistan Rabia Azfar Nizami highlighted the initiative’s decade-long journey.

She said Women Tech Quest aims to help women demonstrate their abilities and strengthen their technical skills. Moreover, the platform encourages women to pursue careers in technology.

Nizami also stressed the value of professional networks and industry opportunities. According to her, these platforms can help women contribute to Pakistan’s growing digital economy.

Nine Winners Share Rs500,000 Prize Pool

Organisers announced nine winners across the three competition categories. Together, they received prize money totalling Rs500,000.

The winners also received AI credits and giveaways from Google and Figma.

Meanwhile, several companies supported the event. These included Lay’s, the Bank of Punjab, Figma, Hilton Pharma and Cheezious.

Women Tech Quest Marks a Decade of Progress

Over the past decade, Women Tech Quest has encouraged more women to enter the technology sector. It has also provided opportunities for skills development and professional networking.

Furthermore, the latest edition highlights the growing role of AI in the digital economy. As businesses adopt new technologies, demand for specialised technical skills continues to grow.

Through initiatives like Women Tech Quest, organisers aim to connect women with opportunities in Pakistan’s evolving technology industry.