P@SHA ICT Awards 2008

P@SHA ICT Awards 2008
From its nascent beginnings in the late 1980s, the Pakistan IT and ITES industry has now reached a point where its value proposition has been validated. The largest member companies are grossing between 15 – 30 million dollars in annual revenue and receiving 100 million dollar valuations.

Most technology companies are growing in excess of 30% a year annually. For innovation to thrive a healthy and supportive environment which encourages new ideas, research and experimentation is extremely important.

Some of the very best ideas almost always come from younger companies whose passion and excitement drives them. Innovation doesn't always have to be a new idea; it's sometimes just a new way of doing something that is easier and more productive for users and customers. Cutting direct investment in innovation during an economic slowdown is a mistake and could have long term effects on the economic progress of a country.

The purpose of the P@SHA ICT Awards is to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and production of ICT products that are both exportable and can cater to domestic industry demands. The best ways to encourage excellence and innovation is to recognize what is already being done by individuals and companies in the ICT sector in Pakistan.

P@SHA asks for nominations in 20 different categories including Best of Financial Applications, Best of Communication Applications, Best in Digital & Media Entertainment, Best in Startup Category, Best in E-Learning and E-Health amongst others.

This year two new categories have been added: E-Community & E-Inclusion and E-Logistics. The winners of the P@SHA ICT Awards 2008 go on to participate at the Asia Pacific ICT Awards (APICTA) in Jakarta, Indonesia. In 2007 Pakistan picked up the Best in Financial Applications and Best in Communications Awards at APICTA in Singapore competing against countries like Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, etc.

Around 48 entries were received from across the country for this year's P@SHA ICT Awards, according to Jehan Ara, President of the Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT & ITES (P@SHA). The judges had a very difficult time deciding on the winning entries. The winners were presented with Awards at P@SHA's flagship gala event at the Karachi Marriott Hotel.