Google has unveiled new initiatives aimed at supporting developers in Pakistan, marking a significant step in the tech giant’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the country’s app and gaming industry. The announcement was made during Think Apps 2024, a major event held in Lahore, which brought together around 350 of Pakistan’s leading developers, alongside global and regional industry leaders and experts. The event, held on Wednesday, was described by Google as the largest of its kind in the country, highlighting the increasing importance of Pakistan’s app industry on the global stage.
Building on the momentum from last year’s Think Apps 2023, this year’s event focused heavily on empowering local developers to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovation, sustainability, and growth within the app development sector. The event emphasized the potential of Pakistani developers to create high-quality, sustainable games that can compete on a global level, while also expanding their reach to international users.
As part of its ongoing efforts to bolster the Pakistani developer community, Google announced the launch of several new programs in 2024 designed to provide developers with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed. One of these is the Game Design Masterclass, a six-month program specifically tailored for Pakistan’s top game developers. The masterclass will bring together talent from the country’s leading studios, providing them with the training needed to create world-class games.
In addition to the masterclass, Google is introducing the Google Ads Academy, a series of in-person hackathon workshops that will take place in Lahore and Islamabad. These workshops are targeted at marketing professionals working in Pakistan’s top studios, offering in-depth training on app growth strategies. The goal is to equip these professionals with the skills to effectively market their apps, maximizing reach and profitability in an increasingly competitive global market.
Google is also expanding its Build with AI and Cloud AI Study Jams programs, which have already trained more than 9,300 developers. These programs offer hands-on training in AI and Cloud technologies, allowing developers to deepen their expertise and apply these skills to their projects. This focus on AI is particularly important as the technology continues to play a critical role in the future of app development.
These new initiatives build on Google’s existing programs in Pakistan, including the Google App Academy, which has already reached over 800 participants. The App Academy offers online workshops specifically designed for marketing professionals, providing them with crucial knowledge on how to maximize their app’s reach and profitability. Notably, these workshops are localized in Urdu, making them more accessible to a broader range of participants.
Google’s commitment to the Pakistani developer community extends beyond training programs. The company is also increasing its engagement with local developers through key events such as the Google Developer Conference in the United States, CXO meetups across the Asia-Pacific region, and the APAC App Summit. These events provide opportunities for leaders from Pakistan’s top gaming and app studios to connect with their global counterparts, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas.
Farhan S Qureshi, Google’s Director for Pakistan, highlighted the significant potential of Pakistan’s app and gaming industry, noting that it holds considerable promise for long-term growth. He emphasized that Think Apps 2024 is a reflection of Google’s commitment to empowering local developers by providing them with access to AI-powered products and resources. The ultimate goal, according to Qureshi, is to help these developers create exceptional games and apps that drive profitability and build sustainable businesses.
Qureshi also pointed out that the success of these initiatives could have a broader economic impact, potentially improving Pakistan’s economy through increased digital export proceeds and the creation of high-value employment opportunities. He reiterated Google’s dedication to investing in Pakistan’s developer ecosystem and supporting its journey toward global success.
Google’s efforts to support developers in Pakistan are part of a broader strategy to tap into the country’s growing digital economy. By providing access to cutting-edge tools and resources, and by fostering a strong community of developers, Google is positioning itself as a key player in Pakistan’s digital transformation.
