KARACHI: The government and Google have joined forces to launch “AI Seekho 2026”, a nationwide initiative aimed at equipping Pakistan’s youth with artificial intelligence skills through modern app development techniques, including vibe coding.
Launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Google for Developers, Telenor, and Innovista, the programme is designed to accelerate Pakistan’s transition into the global digital economy.
The initiative will provide developers and young professionals with advanced AI learning opportunities free of cost, removing financial barriers to participation.
Multi-partner collaboration
AI Seekho 2026 is being rolled out as a major multi-partner collaboration.
Google for Developers is leading the programme’s execution, offering free cloud credits and access to its platforms, with support from Google Developer Groups and Google Developer Experts communities.
The second phase of the programme will include physical hackathons in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, where participants will be required to develop solutions using Google Antigravity.
This stage will feature a theme-based competition focused on building mobile applications, giving participants a chance to win exclusive merchandise and compete for a prize pool of Rs2.5 million.
The initiative also introduces Pakistani youth to vibe coding, a modern, intuitive, and AI-driven approach to software development.
Using advanced platforms such as Google AI Studio and Google Antigravity, participants will learn to create software solutions through natural language prompts and problem-solving techniques.
Registrations are open at goo.gle/aiseekho2026.
Shift towards AI economy
Federal IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima said the initiative reflects the government’s vision of moving from a traditional service-based economy to an AI-powered, product-driven economy.
“Our vision is to shift from a legacy service economy to an AI-powered, product-based economy,” she said.
“With 65 per cent of our population under the age of 35, we are making AI a core priority to ensure every young person — from tech professionals to doctors, lawyers, and artists — is equipped with the digital skills needed to compete globally,” she added.
Programme phases
The first phase will begin with an online challenge running from April 11 to May 3, where participants will learn the fundamentals of generative AI and rapid prototyping through Google AI Studio.
Participants will be required to submit fully functional projects in one of two categories: “Build an App” (App Banao) or “Build a Game” (Game Uthao).