The Department of Social Entrepreneurship at Tallinn University proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of Furqan Ali, a master’s student in our Social Entrepreneurship (SEMA) program. Originating from the stunning valleys of Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, Furqan is an engineer turned social entrepreneur whose journey embodies innovation, leadership, and resilience.
A Visionary Recognized at Youth Startup Summit
At the recent Youth Startup Summit in Tallinn, Furqan’s entrepreneurial vision shone brightly. Standing before an audience of hundreds of entrepreneurs and students, he shared his revolutionary ride-sharing idea, Ride Sharing GB. His innovative approach and dedication earned him praise from Martin Villig, the founder of Bolt—a unicorn company and a leader in the European mobility industry.
Villig’s recognition was particularly meaningful for Furqan, as Bolt’s success has long been a source of inspiration. The acknowledgment was not just a testament to Furqan’s ingenuity but also a moment of profound significance, linking his journey to one of his most admired role models.
Revolutionizing Transportation in Gilgit-Baltistan
Furqan is the founder of Ride Sharing GB, Pakistan’s first-ever fully ride-sharing platform, uniquely tailored to the remote and rugged terrains of Gilgit-Baltistan. This initiative has transformed transportation in the region by connecting thousands of users—free of cost, as the platform charges no company fees.
By fostering accessibility and affordability, Furqan’s platform addresses critical mobility challenges, enabling economic opportunities and social connectivity in a region where transportation infrastructure is limited.
A Social Entrepreneur in the Making
Currently, Furqan is honing his entrepreneurial skills as a master’s student in the Social Entrepreneurship program at Tallinn University. His academic pursuits are deeply intertwined with his aspirations, as he prepares to scale his impact to the European market.
In addition to refining his existing projects, Furqan is working on a new startup idea that aligns with European values of sustainability and inclusivity. His focus is on creating solutions that merge the principles of circular economy and social impact, ensuring his ventures contribute meaningfully to both people and the planet.
Leadership and Service in Action
Furqan’s commitment to community service is as impressive as his entrepreneurial endeavors. As the founding president of Rotary International in Gilgit-Baltistan, he has spearheaded numerous high-impact projects worth millions, addressing education, health, and social development in the region.
He has also served as a media advocate, using his platform to amplify issues affecting Gilgit-Baltistan and to promote awareness and positive change.
A Bright Future for Social Entrepreneurship
Furqan Ali’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of social entrepreneurship. By bridging his engineering background with his passion for social impact, he exemplifies the core values of our SEMA program: innovation, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to making the world a better place.
We are proud to have Furqan as part of our community and look forward to witnessing his continued impact as he takes his ideas to new heights, creating a ripple effect of positive change across continents.
Congratulations, Furqan Ali, on your incredible achievements and for being a beacon of inspiration for aspiring social entrepreneurs worldwide!
