2nd Life 1.0
Where the journey began
Overview
The Three Finalists Were:
Launched in 2023 by Unilever Pakistan and SEED Ventures, the first cycle of 2nd Life Pakistan focused on addressing plastic waste through innovation, entrepreneurship and research.
The cycle included an Acceleration Challenge for startups and a Research Programme for university students. Together, these two tracks supported practical solutions for plastic collection, recycling, repurposing and reintegration into value chains.
Acceleration Challenge
Thirteen startups were selected for the first Acceleration Challenge. Participants received individual mentorship and attended webinars covering the circular economy, plastic policy and recycling innovation.
Bigger Bricks
Concept Loop
Suftech Innovations
The finalists received a combined PKR 2.25 million to support the development of their plastic waste solutions.
Research Programme
The Research Programme engaged university teams in exploring ways to formalise Pakistan’s informal plastic waste sector. Their proposals examined regulatory barriers, employment opportunities and potential collaboration between waste workers, businesses and public institutions.
Three winning research teams from AKU and AIOU received a combined PKR 875,000.
What Cycle 1 Established
The first cycle demonstrated the value of combining startup acceleration with academic research. Its lessons led to a broader second cycle with separate support for idea-stage and growth-stage ventures and a wider focus across multiple waste streams.
