KARACHI: The National Incubation Center Karachi (NIC Karachi), an Ignite initiative under the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, has marked a significant milestone with the graduation of 28 startups from its 13th cohort, reflecting continued growth in Pakistan’s startup ecosystem.
NIC Karachi Cohort 13: A Milestone for Pakistan’s Startup Ecosystem
The graduation ceremony highlighted the journey of emerging entrepreneurs who successfully completed NIC Karachi’s structured incubation program, which includes mentorship, investor linkages, legal and financial advisory, and access to advanced technology labs.
How NIC Karachi Cohort 13 Startups Received Critical Support
Syed Azfar Hussain, Project Director NIC Karachi, said the graduating startups demonstrated strong progress due to consistent mentorship and institutional support, adding that the center remains committed to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and strengthening Pakistan’s innovation landscape.
Muhammad Bilal Abbasi, General Manager Projects at Ignite, noted that National Incubation Centers across Pakistan are playing a key role in building market-ready startups, enabling innovation, job creation, and export-oriented business growth. He said Cohort 13 reflects the growing maturity and global visibility of Pakistan’s startup ecosystem.
Federal Secretary IT and Telecommunication, Zarrar Hasham Khan, praised the graduating entrepreneurs and emphasized the importance of adopting emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to enhance innovation, productivity, and global competitiveness. He also reaffirmed government support for connecting startups with international markets.
The event was also attended by Additional Secretary IT & Telecom Rafique Ahmed Buriro and NED University Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Noman Ahmed, underscoring strong institutional backing for the country’s innovation ecosystem.
During the ceremony, startup founders shared their experiences, highlighting how incubation support helped transform ideas into scalable businesses. Certificates were later distributed among the graduating startups by distinguished guests.
NIC Karachi Cohort 13: Mentorship and Institutional Support
According to NIC Karachi, the center has incubated over 440 startups since its inception, generating over Rs12 billion in revenue and attracting more than Rs13 billion in investments, while also contributing significantly to job creation
