The National Incubation Centre Karachi (NIC Karachi) at NED University has graduated 25 startups from its 14th cohort, marking another milestone in efforts to support entrepreneurship and innovation in Pakistan.
The center, an initiative of Ignite under the Ministry of Information Technology (IT) and Telecommunication, held a graduation ceremony attended by government officials, university representatives, industry stakeholders, and startup founders.
Addressing the graduation ceremony, Syed Azfar Hussain, project director at NIC Karachi, said the progress made by the startups over the past year was a source of pride.
He highlighted the role of peer learning, collaboration and community building in helping entrepreneurs develop their businesses, noting that the graduating cohort reflected a diverse range of talent, backgrounds and entrepreneurial experiences.
He also underscored the diversity of the 25 graduating startups, reflecting a broad range of talent, regional representation, and entrepreneurial journeys.
Hussain congratulated the founders on their achievements and urged them to maintain the professional relationships developed during incubation as they worked to expand their businesses.
Dr Danish ur Rehman Khan, technical assistant to the vice-chancellor at NED University of Engineering and Technology, praised the contributions of the Ministry of IT, Ignite and the NIC Karachi team to the development of the startup ecosystem.
He said an initiative that began with the aim of creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurs had grown into an established incubation program despite challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic.
He also highlighted cooperation between NED University, the Sindh government, NIC Karachi and the federal IT ministry as a key factor in the center’s development.
Dr Danish reaffirmed NED University’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs through resources and opportunities to help businesses grow and bring new ideas to market.
Ali Rashid, special assistant to the Sindh chief minister for science, information and technology, who attended as chief guest, said digital platforms and artificial intelligence were creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs to develop skills, access knowledge and reach international markets.
He urged startup founders to engage with government departments, seek connections with local and international investors, and explore partnerships to expand their businesses.
Rashid also reaffirmed the Sindh government’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, saying startups had a role to play in the country’s economic development.
The event also featured compelling testimonials from startup founders, who shared their entrepreneurial journeys, key milestones, and success stories.
The ceremony concluded with a formal certificate distribution segment, where the distinguished guests presented certificates to the graduating startups.
