Khwarizmi Science Society

What Khwarizmi Science Society does

Khwarizmi Science Society (KSS) is a non-profit Association founded in 1997 in Lahore, Pakistan, with a mission to foster a science culture in the country's educational institutions and among the general public. Its core offering is hands-on science communication delivered through events, workshops, demonstrations, educational tours, and teacher training. The flagship product is the Lahore Science Mela — Pakistan's largest public science gathering — which drew approximately 150,000 visitors over two days in 2025 (its sixth annual edition), featuring 145 exhibitors, 18 indoor workshops, and KSS's own Surpriseum (Hairat Ghar), an in-house interactive exhibition of more than 80 demonstrations. Supporting programs include the "Niklo Ilm Kay Raastay Per" educational tour series (visits to SUPARCO, Chughtai Lab, Pakistan Meteorological Department, Orange Line Metro, Tetra Pak, Fast Cables, and PAFDA), recurring science shows at libraries and schools, teacher training workshops (e.g., at LCWU, Ali Institute of Education, Gilgit-Baltistan), astronomical observation nights, and a growing portfolio of online courses covering quantum computing (via IBM Qiskit), Python, calculus, and linguistics. KSS also runs the Saadat Anwar Siddiqi Award for Science Teachers, a PKR 100,000 annual recognition, and publishes a newsletter plus STEM articles and book reviews.

The organization operates a hybrid non-profit business model combining multiple revenue streams. Direct revenue sources are small: PKR 2,000 individual annual memberships and a newly launched family membership tier, PKR 1,000-1,500 workshop registration fees for select programs, discounted book sales (e.g., Prof. M. Suhail Zubairy's "Kaainaat Aik Hairat Kada" at PKR 1,000), and event sponsorships from organizations such as Trade Expeditors Pakistan and the Centre of Excellence in Solid State Physics. The majority of programs and events, including the Science Mela, are offered free or near-free to maximize accessibility. Project-based grant funding supplements operations, notably from the British Council (Pak-UK Education Pathway / STEM teacher training at LCWU), ALIGHT Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan teacher training), and various in-kind industrial partners. The go-to-market motion is community-led and event-driven, with distribution handled through direct in-person events at partner venues (schools, libraries, universities, industrial sites) and organic social media amplification on Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram, supported by earned media coverage including Physics Today and City42.

The primary customer segments are Pakistani students (school through university), science teachers and educators, and the general public; partner organizations (educational institutions, NGOs, government departments, and corporations) function as collaborators and sponsors rather than paying customers. KSS employs approximately 27 people and is governed by an Executive Committee and General Body under President Dr. Shahid Atiq and General Secretary Dr. Muhammad Sabieh Anwar. No revenue, funding total, or valuation is publicly disclosed.

Name

Khwarizmi Science Society

Legal name

Khwarizmi Science Society

Website

https://khwarizmi.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Khwarizmi Science Society is a Lahore-based non-profit founded in 1997 that delivers hands-on science education across Pakistan through science festivals, the annual Lahore Science Mela, demonstrations, teacher training, and educational tours, serving students, educators, and the general public.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Science Education and Outreach

NAICS

Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (7121)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Hands-on Science Exploration & Experiments (Lab Kits, Science Clubs) (EDAMABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Science Camps & Field Programs (Nature, Space, Marine, Geology) (EDAMABAB), Research & Science Fair Competitions (Science Fairs, Research Symposiums) (EDAMAGAL), Science Tutoring (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth/Environmental) (EDANAAAB), Biology & Life Science Enrichment (Biotech, Genetics, Anatomy) (EDAMABAF), Training, Workshops & Certification Events (MPAGAGAJ)

Keywords

• Science education outreach
• Public science festivals
• Teacher training programs
• Interactive science demonstrations
• STEM education workshops

Headquarters

HQ city

Lahore

HQ country

Pakistan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: KSS generates revenue through individual and family memberships. New memberships are offered at PKR 2000/- for individual memberships.
2. Donations: The organization receives donations from individuals and organizations to support its projects and initiatives. A donation pledge of PKR 50,000 was made by Mr. Rai Mohsin Raza at GBM 2024.
3. Sponsorships: KSS receives sponsorship support for events and programs from various organizations including Trade Expeditors Pakistan, Centre of Excellence in Solid State Physics, and others.
4. Book Sales: KSS sells books including 'Kaainaat Aik Hairat Kada' by Prof. Dr. M. Suhail Zubairy at a discounted price of PKR 1000/-.
5. Workshop Registration Fees: Some workshops have registration fees (e.g., Thought-provoking Physics Practicals Phase I at Rs. 1500), though many programs are offered free of charge.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Khwarizmi Science Society is a non-profit association that organizes public science festivals (notably the Lahore Science Mela, Pakistan's largest), operates the KSS Exploratorium with 80+ in-house built interactive demonstrations, runs the "Niklo Ilm Kay Raastay Per" educational tour series to scientific and industrial facilities, and delivers teacher training workshops and online courses on topics including quantum computing, Python, calculus, and linguistics. Programs target students, teachers, and the general public across Pakistan.

Product overview

Khwarizmi Science Society (KSS) is a non-profit science education organization that operates a portfolio of science outreach programs in Pakistan. The core offerings include the KSS Exploratorium (Surpriseum/Hairat Ghar) featuring 80+ in-house built demonstrations, and the annual Lahore Science Mela (LSM) — Pakistan's largest public science festival attracting 150,000+ visitors. Supporting programs include educational tour series 'Niklo Ilm Kay Raastay Per' visiting industrial and scientific facilities, teacher training workshops on practical physics and STEM pedagogy, interactive science shows (Optics, Magnetism, Air/Pressure, Microscopy, Non-Newtonian Fluids), and astronomical observation sessions. KSS also offers online educational courses including Quantum Computer Programming using IBM/Qiskit, Python coding, Calculus teaching with GeoGebra/Desmos, and Linguistics. Recognition programs include the Saadat Anwar Siddiqi Award for Science Teachers. Publications include the annual KSS Newsletter, STEM articles, and book reviews. The society organizes regional science melas in Islamabad and Shakargarh, and provides school science mentorship programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Lahore Science Mela (LSM) Pakistan's largest public science festival, held annually. LSM features thousands of experiments, demonstrations, performances, specimens, and crafts across diverse scientific fields. LSM 2025 welcomed 145 exhibitors, 18 workshops, and approximately 150,000 visitors over two days. Open to students, families, educators, and the general public.
• KSS Exploratorium (Surpriseum / Hairat Ghar) An interactive science exhibition featuring 80+ in-house built demonstrations where visitors engage with hands-on scientific experiments and phenomena, including Wonders exhibits, TAKMIL exhibits, Snake Pendulum, Laser Shows, and microscopy demonstrations. Featured at the Lahore Science Mela.
• Niklo Ilm Kay Raastay Per (Educational Tour Series) Educational tour initiative taking participants to visit industrial facilities, research institutions, and scientific organizations. Past tours include visits to Fast Cables Limited, Anwar Khawaja Industries, Tetra Pak Pakistan, SUPARCO SRDC-L, Chughtai Lab, Pakistan Meteorological Department, Orange Line Metro, and PAFDA.
• Teacher Training Workshops Professional development workshops for science teachers focused on practical physics education, STEM pedagogy, and innovative teaching methods. Includes the 'Thought-provoking Physics Practicals' series, 'Psychobiology of Learners', and STEM training delivered in partnership with institutions such as Ali Institute of Education, LCWU, and Directorate of Education Gilgit-Baltistan.
• Science Shows and Demonstrations Interactive science demonstrations delivered at libraries, schools, and community centers. Includes Optics Shows, Magnetism Shows, Air and Pressure Shows, Microscopy Shows, Non-Newtonian Fluids Shows, Van de Graaff generator demonstrations, Plasma Globe exhibits, and telescopic astronomy shows.
• Practical Quantum Computer Programming Workshop Beginner workshop series on quantum computing programming using IBM quantum computers via cloud, Python (Jupyter notebook), and Qiskit. Covers qubits, quantum measurements, quantum gates, and algorithms including Deutsch-Jozsa, Grover search, and quantum teleportation.
• Coding with Python Course A 6-session online course teaching Python programming to absolute beginners, including students as young as 13 years old. Covers syntax, semantics, and practical programming skills.
• Calculus Connects A five-session interactive online series teaching calculus concepts using GeoGebra App and free online tools. Designed for high school students and teachers, emphasizing intuitive understanding through analogies rather than mechanical definitions.
• Decoding Languages: Introduction to Linguistics A linguistics course covering language phenomena, psychology of language learning, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and second language acquisition, taught by Charisma Wafee (M-Phil in Linguistics and TESOL).
• KSS Book: Kaainaat Aik Hairat Kada Sale of "Kaainaat Aik Hairat Kada" by Prof. Dr. M. Suhail Zubairy (Urdu), offered to KSS members and the public at a special discounted price of PKR 1,000.
• KSS Islamabad Science Mela Science festival hosted by KSS in Islamabad, featuring science exhibits, demonstrations, and educational activities for public engagement, with sponsorship from Trade Expeditors Pakistan.
• School Science Mentorship Program Program in which KSS science mentors supervise school teams and teachers on science communication, experimentation, and lab safety in preparation for participation in the Lahore Science Mela.
• KSS Memberships (Individual and Family) Annual membership program for individuals and families supporting KSS's mission, providing access to programs and the broader community. Individual membership available at PKR 2,000; Family Memberships launched as a new initiative at GBM 2024.
• Quantum Physics in Pictures Course Training course on quantum physics concepts, taught by Dr. Muhammad Faryad of LUMS, covering fundamental quantum mechanics principles through visual and accessible methods.

Quantifiable outcome

• 150,000 visitors over two days at LSM 2025
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Chughtai Public LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 May 2024KSS collaborated with Chughtai Public Library to enrich the community with monthly science shows and workshops. Both parties committed to organizing engaging science activities on a regular basis, covering diverse topics from basic scientific principles to cutting-edge technologies. The activities are designed to be accessible and budget-friendly for all community members.
• Lahore College for Women University (LCWU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 March 2022KSS partnered with LCWU under the British Council STEM project to deliver faculty training sessions. Three training sessions were conducted focusing on teaching science through experiments, demonstrations, and experiential learning tools. Sessions were attended by 55+ faculty members from LCWU and affiliated institutions.
• British CouncilcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 March 2022British Council provided funding for the Pak-UK Education Pathway project enabling KSS to conduct STEM teacher training at LCWU. The grant supported improving quality and delivery of STEM subjects, reducing emphasis on rote learning, and promoting problem-based learning approaches.
• Ali Institute of Education (AIE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKSS and AIE initiated a joint Teacher Training Program called 'Thought-provoking Science Education' focused on teaching practical physics through innovative experiments. Three phases of workshops were conducted from October-December 2018 at AIE premises in Lahore.
• School Education Department (SED) PunjabcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKSS collaborated with SED Punjab to ensure participation of schools from all 36 districts of Punjab in the Lahore Science Mela 2019. The partnership involved a science mentorship program where KSS science mentors supervised teams of young scientists and science teachers.
• World Science Collaborative Ltd.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for the Holistic Science Teaching Workshop 2019 focusing on enabling teachers to connect classroom science with real-world applications using interdisciplinary approaches.
• UCL Institute of EducationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partner for Holistic Science Teaching Workshop contributing expertise in science education pedagogy and curriculum design.
• Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner for science workshops and educational programs. LUMS physics department faculty including Dr. Muhammad Faryad have conducted quantum computing workshops through KSS.
• ALIGHT PakistanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerALIGHT Pakistan supported KSS's teacher training program in Gilgit-Baltistan, which brought together STEM teachers from ten districts for a two-day workshop.
• Directorate of Education Gilgit-BaltistanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment education department partner for organizing STEM teacher training workshop in Gilgit-Baltistan covering all ten districts.
• The Caterpillar Lab (USA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Caterpillar Lab donated a digital inspection monocular stereo microscope to KSS for use in microscopy shows at Chughtai Public Library. This was the first public appearance of this equipment in Pakistan.
• Technology Times MagazineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner for science communication workshop and ongoing collaboration in science popularization efforts.
• Spectra MagazineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaborating partner for science journalism and communication workshop organized with Forman Christian College and University of Punjab.
• Forman Christian CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner for organizing workshop on science communication and journalism with other collaborating institutions.
• Pakistan Science ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration for National Science and Innovation Fair 2019, providing platform for students aged 12-20 to showcase innovative science projects.
• COMSTECHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKSS General Secretary Dr. Muhammad Sabieh Anwar presented at COMSTECH International Conference on Science Communication and Community Engagement.
• Pak Alliance for Maths and Science (PAMS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPAMS invited KSS to conduct teacher training workshops at STEAM Competition Awards Ceremony organized for government schools in Islamabad.
• Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerGovernment ministry organizing STEAM Competition Awards Ceremony where KSS conducted teacher training workshops.
• Chughtai LabminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational tour partner for Niklo Ilm Kay Raastay Per series, providing participants access to medical diagnostic and research facilities.
• SUPARCO (SRDC-L)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpace & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission partnered for educational tour introducing participants to satellite technology and space science.
• Pakistan Meteorological DepartmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment meteorological partner for educational tour showcasing weather forecasting, flood prediction systems, and atmospheric monitoring technology.
• Orange Line MetrominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational tour to Orange Line Headquarters and Operations Control Center, showcasing metro technology and operations.
• Tetra Pak PakistanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational tour to food packaging facility showcasing production processes, automation, and quality control systems.
• Fast Cables LimitedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustrial partner for educational tour showcasing cable manufacturing from wire drawing to quality testing and packaging.
• Anwar Khawaja IndustriesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSports manufacturing industry partner in Sialkot for educational tour highlighting industrial processes and Pakistan's contribution to global sports goods.
• Punjab Agriculture, Food & Drug Authority (PAFDA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment regulatory body partner for educational tour showcasing food, agriculture, and medicine quality testing and safety systems.
• Trade Expeditors Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor and venue provider for KSS Islamabad Science Mela 2026.
• Centre of Excellence in Solid State Physics, Punjab UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner hosting KSS Annual General Body Meetings and providing venue for science events and activities.
• Children's Library ComplexminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for solar cell workshop and demonstration of dye-sensitized solar cell fabrication.
• The Trust SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost for Brain of Lahore 2024 science competition and science fair participation.
• STEAM PakistanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for STEAM competition awards ceremony where KSS conducted science communication workshops.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Khan Academy: Global nonprofit STEM education platform offering free courses, practice, and teacher tools. Comparable to KSS in free/mission-driven STEM education delivery and growing online course portfolio (Python, Calculus, Quantum), though delivered digitally versus KSS's event-centric model.
• Maker Faire: Global network of community-driven science/maker festivals showcasing hands-on projects, experiments, and demonstrations. Closely comparable event format to Lahore Science Mela in audience, exhibitor mix, and DIY demonstration ethos.
• FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology): Global youth STEM nonprofit running robotics competitions and after-school programs. Comparable to KSS's school mentorship program and science fair competitions in mission and target audience (12-20 year olds), though product (robotics kits vs. demonstration shows) differs.

Direct peers

• Pakistan Science Club: Pakistan-based science outreach organization running science fairs, workshops, and school engagement programs. Most directly comparable peer to KSS given overlapping mission, geography, and audiences (students, teachers, general public), and is named as a KSS collaboration partner for the National Science and Innovation Fair 2019.
• STEAM Pakistan: Pakistani nonprofit promoting STEAM education through school programs, competitions, and teacher training. Closely comparable to KSS in target segments (schools, teachers, government education bodies) and partnership-driven model, with documented collaboration on STEAM Competition Awards Ceremony.

Broad incumbents

• The Exploratorium: San Francisco-based pioneer of the interactive science museum/Exploratorium format with 80+ years of operation. Conceptually analogous to KSS's Surpriseum/Hairat Ghar (in-house built hands-on exhibits) and Science Mela, representing the gold-standard model KSS is emulating in Pakistan.
• Science Centre Singapore: Major established science center and festival operator running interactive exhibitions, teacher training, and public science events across Asia. Comparable in operating model (permanent exhibition plus special festivals and educator programs) and audience mix (students, teachers, families).
• Science Museum Group (UK): UK-based network of major science museums operating permanent interactive exhibits, teacher CPD, and public programming. Comparable in operating exhibitions, teacher professional development, and public engagement programming.
• National Council of Science Museums (India): Government-backed network of science museums and mobile science exhibitions across South Asia operating science centers, fairs, and teacher training. Comparable regional incumbent running science exhibitions, mobile science exhibitions, and educational outreach analogous to KSS's melas and Surpriseum.

Others

• PAKISTAN SCIENCE FOUNDATION: Government body funding and promoting science communication, research, and popularization in Pakistan. Ecosystem/funder peer comparable to KSS in national science-popularization mission, serving as both potential partner and competing/parallel institution for science outreach funding.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/KSSPakistan
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCtIIMyvVLV1hpQ05zIuqNmA
• Facebookfacebook.com/KhwarizmiScienceSociety
• Instagraminstagram.com/kss_pk
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/khwarizmi-science-society

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Khwarizmi Science Society