Each year the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) convenes its members – alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs – to discuss the most pressing issues facing Pakistani and the United States.  In past years, PUAN’s thematic masterclasses have explored citizen journalism, entrepreneurship, digital rights, peace building, AI, project management, business life cycle and more.

On June 8-12, 2026, PUAN will host its 14th masterclass program in collaboration with a local organization under the title, “E-Commerce and Digital Trade: Building Pakistan – U.S. Economic Partnership” in Islamabad. Around 60 PUAN members from all 14 chapters will join the masterclass program. This masterclass aims to connect PUAN members who are new business owners or who have leadership positions in new businesses. Exchange alumni from across Pakistan will join this thematic five-day residency masterclass after a competitive application-based process. This will include in-depth training, group workshops, discussions, expert panels, exposure visits to local start-ups, and a culminating project.

PUAN will provide members with the tools and skills to take their businesses to the next level. To facilitate participation, the U.S. Mission to Pakistan will cover the costs of lodging (single room), meals, and some travel expenses for approximately 60 PUAN members (except local chapter alumni residents) in accordance with the PUAN Travel Policy. Please carefully read the Travel Policy given at the alumni portal before applying.

Candidates will be notified of selection on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Masterclass Objectives: 

1. Deliver Google certificate-based training focused on cross-border e-commerce, digital trade facilitation, and market access, reinforcing U.S. leadership in global digital commerce.
2. Equip alumni with practical, market-relevant skills aligned with U.S. trade, technology, and digital commerce standards.
3. Increase participants’ understanding of the digital business life cycle, including launching, scaling, and sustaining tech-based enterprises.
4. Strengthening collaboration and peer-to-peer networks between participants following the masterclass.
5. Provide intensive, skills-based learning that enables alumni to create real-world economic impact and advance U.S. Mission priorities in Pakistan

Masterclass Alignment with U.S. Mission Priorities: All masterclass activities will directly support U.S. Mission priorities in Pakistan. Programming will advance one or more of the following focus areas:

1. Economic Reform, Trade, and Investment Readiness
2. Workforce Readiness for Trade, Technology & Investment
3. Economic Narratives and Public Understanding
4. Open Information and Digital Innovation
5. Freedom 250 – Community-Based Innovation and U.S. Best Practices

Outputs and Outcomes: The masterclass will generate immediate learning outputs and longer-term professional outcomes. Participants will apply and share knowledge gained with their professional networks, organizations, or enterprises. Alumni will strengthen their capacity to communicate ideas, scale digital initiatives, and engage in cross-border digital trade using U.S.-informed practices.

Target Audience: The masterclass targets 60 PUAN members who own or lead a business (preferably digital or technology-enabled) or who have launched their businesses within the past 1–3 years. Participants will represent a diverse cross-section of Pakistan and may come from sectors such as technology, social entrepreneurship, home-based businesses, services, and manufacturing.

Program Requirements and Selection Process:

• Selected applicants will be eligible to enroll in Google’s seven-course certification on “Digital Marketing and E-Commerce” after successfully completing the PUAN Masterclass.
• Completion of the first two Google certification courses will be mandatory for final selection into the masterclass.
• The selection process will follow this timeline:
  • May 18, 2026: Preliminary list of selected applicants announced.
  • May 19–May 31, 2026: Preliminary selectees must complete the first two Google certification courses.
  • June 1, 2026: Final list of masterclass participants announced. Only those who complete the first two courses will be confirmed.
• Candidates who do not complete the first two Google courses by the deadline may be dropped from the final selection.
• The final confirmed list will be used to arrange boarding and lodging for participants.

Eligibility Criteria: This masterclass is open to alumni who have not participated in a PUAN masterclass or thematic conference within the past three years.

How will participants be selected? Applicants will be selected based on their interest and experience in relevant fields. Preference will be given to those with professional and applicable experience, as well as those who meet the following criteria:

1. Growth-Stage Entrepreneurs & Startup Founders: Alumni who have launched a business within the past 1-3 years and seek advanced knowledge in business strategy, marketing, and fundraising.
2. Social Impact Innovators: Alumni working on impact-driven projects or businesses in education, healthcare, or community development.
3. Small Business Owners & Freelancers: Alumni running small businesses, consultancies, or freelance careers who wish to expand their knowledge and grow their operations.  

Criterion	Minimum Eligibility (Floor)	Ideal Participant Profile (Ceiling)
Business Stage	Minimum Viable Product (MVP) launched; <1 year in operation.	Growth-stage SME (1–3 years) with consistent monthly revenue.

Course Composition

• 40% theocratical lessons and course content
• 60% practical, hands-on training through modules, exercises, and individual and groups activities.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are encouraged apply via alumni portal. Feel free to reach out to your local PUAN chapter coordinators for further details.