Mehwish Salman Ali, the award-winning serial entrepreneur and CEO of Data Vault Pakistan, announced the launch of a groundbreaking AI Innovation Lab in Karachi. The AI Innovation Lab aims to accelerate the growth of AI startups in Pakistan, fostering innovation and promoting the integration of local AI solutions into the global market.
The announcement was made at the prestigious International Digital Cooperation Forum (IDCF) held at the Dead Sea, Jordan, and organized by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO)—a platform where the global experts, policymakers, and decision-makers from 16 member states came together to shape the future of AI, digital economies, and cross-border cooperation.
At the event, Mehwish Salman Ali emphasized the lab’s potential to empower entrepreneurs in the AI sector. “The AI Innovation Lab will provide facilitation, resources, and mentorship to entrepreneurs in the AI sector to contribute to the global landscape of technology,” she said. “The initiative is set to position Pakistan as a leader in AI development and technological entrepreneurship.”
The AI lab in Karachi initiative aims to create opportunities for local entrepreneurs and integrating into the global digital economy. This move is expected to boost Pakistan’s presence in the global AI ecosystem, driving investment opportunities and fostering cross-border collaborations, aligning Pakistan with international AI development trends.
Global AI Partnerships and Advocacy for Technological Progress
During her participation in the IDCF, Mehwish Salman Ali represented Pakistan alongside global industry experts, highlighting the country’s critical role in sourcing world-class AI talent. She shared the stage with technology leaders and underscored the significance of Pakistani contributions to the global AI ecosystem.
She also took part in high-level meetings on the sidelines of the event. Notable discussions included collaboration opportunities with Mr. Hakeem AbdulAziz Alrasheed, General Manager of Saudi Arabia’s Elm Technologies, in AI and digital security. In addition, Mehwish engaged in discussions with Ulrike Domany-Funtan, General Secretary of Fit4Internet, on partnerships aimed at promoting AI-driven digital literacy and cybersecurity initiatives.
Furthermore, Mehwish met with Mr. Alberto Rodrigues da Silva, Secretary of State for Modernization and Digitalization of Portugal, to explore bilateral cooperation in AI research and innovation. She extended an invitation to Mr. Rodrigues da Silva to visit Pakistan and explore Data Vault Pakistan‘s advanced data center.
A significant moment during the event was an invitation from Dr. Ali bin Amer al Shidhani, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology of Oman, to establish a Data Vault office in Oman. This partnership aims to develop AI-based solutions for regional and global markets, further enhancing Pakistan’s role in the international AI space.
Who is Mehwish Salman Ali?
Mehwish Salman Ali’s leadership extends beyond the AI Innovation Lab, as she is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment in technology.
Mehwish Salman Ali is an award-winning serial entrepreneur and the founder & CEO of Data Vault Pakistan, a women-led, solar-powered, AI-driven data center. With over 16 years of experience in IT, consulting, and business strategy, she is also the founder of SheEarns, an initiative empowering women through entrepreneurship. Mehwish is a member of the Forbes Technology Council, where she shares insights on AI and innovation, and is recognized for her work in AI healthcare solutions, cybersecurity, and driving economic empowerment for women.
Mehwish’s leadership in AI-powered healthcare solutions and cybersecurity is transforming industries, from revolutionizing prenatal care to safeguarding critical digital infrastructures. “This isn’t just my success – it’s a win for every changemaker, entrepreneur, and innovator pushing boundaries and redefining possibilities,” Mehwish shared during the announcement. “We’re not just breaking barriers; we’re building a future where empowerment, inclusion, technology, sustainability, and leadership go hand in hand.”
Data Vault Pakistan
Data Vault Pakistan is a women-led, solar-powered data center and cloud service provider, focusing on secure, scalable, and AI-driven enterprise solutions. As Pakistan’s first sustainable and PCI-DSS compliant data infrastructure provider, Data Vault is at the forefront of AI innovation, data storage, and cybersecurity, with a strong commitment to resilience, regulatory compliance, and digital sovereignty.
The company’s focus on empowering women in technology leadership is setting a precedent for future generations. Data Vault is fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation, aiming to bridge the gender gap in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Through Mehwish Salman Ali’s visionary leadership, Data Vault is contributing to Pakistan’s growing presence in the global technological landscape and positioning the nation as a key player in the digital economy.