Karachi: The National Incubation Center Karachi (NIC Karachi), an Ignite initiative under the Ministry of IT & Telecom, celebrated a milestone with the graduation of 25 startups from its 14th cohort.
Addressing the graduation ceremony, Syed Azfar Hussain, Project Director at NIC Karachi, highlighted the achievements of NIC Karachi’s Cohort 14 startups and acknowledged the support of the council members, and other stakeholders throughout the incubation journey. He noted that witnessing the startups’ progress over the past year was a source of immense pride, emphasizing that community building, peer learning, and collaboration are among the most valuable aspects of an incubation program. He also underscored the diversity of the 25 graduating startups, reflecting a broad range of talent, regional representation, and entrepreneurial journeys.
Congratulating the graduating founders, Azfar recognised their hard work, resilience, and contributions to Pakistan’s economy. He highlighted how the startups had emerged from varied experiences, including final-year university projects, market-driven opportunities, and the evolution of existing service-based businesses into product-led ventures. He encouraged the founders to maintain the connections they had built during incubation, continue supporting one another, and pursue greater milestones as they advance to the next stage of their entrepreneurial journeys.
Dr. Danish ur Rehman Khan, Technical Assistant to the Vice Chancellor at NED University of Engineering and Technology, expressed pride in NIC Karachi’s journey and acknowledged the contributions of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Ignite – National Technology Fund, and the NIC Karachi team in establishing and sustaining the initiative. Reflecting on its early days, he noted that what began as a vision to create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs had evolved into a thriving incubation ecosystem. Despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative remained committed to supporting startups and fostering entrepreneurship in Pakistan.
He highlighted the collaboration between NED University, the Government of Sindh, NIC Karachi, and the Ministry of IT as a key factor in the initiative’s continued progress. He also commended the graduating startups for their achievements and emphasised the importance of providing entrepreneurs with the resources, opportunities, and support needed to grow their businesses. Reaffirming NED University’s commitment to the startup ecosystem, he expressed confidence in its continued growth and assured entrepreneurs of the university’s ongoing support in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Ali Rashid, Special Assistant to the Sindh Chief Minister for Science, Information and Technology, and Chief Guest at the ceremony appreciated the efforts of the graduating startups. He highlighted the growing opportunities available to entrepreneurs in an increasingly digital economy, where artificial intelligence and online platforms have made learning, skill development, and access to international markets more accessible. Mr. Ali Rashid reaffirmed the Government of Sindh’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, encouraging startups to engage with government stakeholders, connect with local and international investors, and explore opportunities for collaboration. He urged the founders to remain positive, recognise emerging opportunities, and continue building businesses that contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth.
The event also featured compelling testimonials from startup founders, who shared their entrepreneurial journeys, key milestones, and success stories. They highlighted how NIC Karachi’s structured incubation program, mentorship, and access to industry networks played a pivotal role in transforming their ideas into scalable and sustainable businesses.
The ceremony concluded with a formal certificate distribution segment, where the distinguished guests presented certificates to the graduating startups.
About NIC Karachi
NIC Karachi, established in 2018 at NED University, Karachi, is an Ignite-funded incubation center operated by LMKT and Lucky Landmark Pvt Ltd in partnership with Orbit Ventures. Dedicated to fostering innovation and driving regional economic growth, NIC Karachi is backed by leading organizations to provide top-tier mentorship, funding, and resources.
Through its collaboration with Orbit Ventures, Pakistan’s premier international venture capital firm, NIC Karachi offers unmatched support to visionary entrepreneurs, helping them scale and succeed in the global marketplace.
Since its inception, NIC Karachi has incubated 479 startups, created more than one million jobs, generated Rs13bn+ in revenues and raised Rs13bn+ in investments. The center provides free-of-cost incubation, mentorship, legal and financial advisory, investor access, and advanced labs in fintech, industrial automation, and media. NIC Karachi remains committed to fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurs, and contributing to the socio-economic development of Pakistan.
