Karandaaz Pakistan has announced the launch of its “AI in Digital Payments Challenge 2025,” inviting innovators, fintech startups, and financial institutions to propose groundbreaking solutions that harness the power of artificial intelligence to transform Pakistan’s digital payments ecosystem.
The challenge is designed to showcase how AI-driven technologies can enhance payment security, improve efficiency, and expand financial inclusion while delivering better customer experiences across the financial services sector. Karandaaz is seeking applications from businesses and innovators at different stages of product development, whether piloting an AI solution, scaling an existing product, or testing a proof-of-concept.
The deadline for applications is October 25, 2025. Interested applicants can submit their proposals through the official Karandaaz application portal, with queries directed to the program office at programofficedfs@karandaaz.com.pk.
By creating this platform, Karandaaz aims to accelerate the adoption of AI technologies in financial services, a sector that is rapidly evolving in Pakistan. With digital payments becoming increasingly central to the economy, the use of AI has the potential to address key challenges, including fraud detection, transaction monitoring, personalization of services, and seamless user engagement.
Sharjeel Murtaza, Director at Karandaaz Digital Financial Services, emphasized the importance of this initiative in shaping the country’s future fintech landscape. “Artificial intelligence offers us unprecedented opportunities to reimagine how payments are processed, secured, and delivered. With this challenge, we are calling on innovators to bring forward ideas that can truly drive the next wave of digital transformation in Pakistan.”
The AI in Digital Payments Challenge is part of Karandaaz’s broader mission to foster financial inclusion and strengthen the digital financial services ecosystem in Pakistan. Over the years, the organization has supported multiple innovation-driven initiatives, providing funding, technical support, and strategic guidance to startups and enterprises working to modernize the country’s financial infrastructure.
Industry experts believe that the challenge could open doors for scalable innovations that address both consumer and institutional needs. As the country navigates a surge in digital adoption, such initiatives can ensure that payment systems are not only efficient but also resilient against cyber threats and inclusive for underserved populations.
With its extensive reach and partnerships across financial institutions and development organizations, Karandaaz is well positioned to identify, support, and scale solutions emerging from this challenge. By connecting local innovators with global best practices, the program aims to strengthen Pakistan’s digital payments landscape and position the country as a regional hub for fintech innovation.
Applications are now open, and Karandaaz has encouraged participants from across Pakistan’s fintech ecosystem to seize this opportunity to shape the future of payments through artificial intelligence.
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