WEB DESK: The National Incubation Center (NIC) Karachi unveiled its 13th cohort, featuring 40 startups selected from a competitive pool of 618 applicants, with over 30 percent female-led ventures. The cohort focuses on critical sectors such as fintech, cybersecurity, industrial automation, AI, and big data, signaling a new wave of tech-driven solutions for Pakistan’s evolving market needs.
After going through 133 startup pitches, evaluations were conducted by 60 industry experts, including representatives from Ignite, Yunus Brothers Group, and the State Bank of Pakistan. The chosen startups will now receive mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to corporate networks to accelerate their growth.
The cohort includes ventures like Sparktrum (AI & Big Data), Block Guard (cybersecurity) Asaanghar (FinTech), and Y and S (Industrial Automation), among others. These startups aim to tackle pressing issues in healthcare, logistics, e-commerce, and cleantech, showcasing Pakistan’s growing entrepreneurial talent.
CEO Ignite, Adeel Aijaz Shaikh stated, “Pakistan’s startup ecosystem is thriving, and Cohort 13 reflects the potential to drive economic resilience and job creation.”
Ali Sohail Tabba, Chairman of NIC Governance Committee, Ali Sohail Tabba also echoed similar sentiments as he emphasised NIC Karachi’s role in nurturing industry-disrupting ventures.
The incubation journey begins in April 2025, featuring mentorship, investor networking, and corporate partnerships. The program will culminate in Demo Days, where startups will pitch to investors for funding opportunities.
NIC Karachi, backed by the Ministry of IT, Ignite, and YB Group, continues to strengthen Pakistan’s startup ecosystem by bridging gaps between innovation and market needs.