ISLAMABAD: National Incubation Centre (NIC) Islamabad in collaboration with digital operator Jazz and Ignite has incubated 295 startups in 12 cohorts since its inception, helping attract over Rs 7 billion in investment and generating over Rs 5.6 billion in sales revenues for Pakistani startups.

These startups have also contributed to Pakistan’s economic growth by creating over 20,000 jobs.

During a media interactive session Aamer Ejaz, Jazz’s Chief Digital Officer Asim Shahryar, Ignite’s CEO and Parvez Abbasi, Programme Director NIC discussed impact of NIC in promoting entrepreneurship, nurturing innovation and strengthening startup ecosystem in country.

NIC also provided entrepreneurs with platform to connect with hundreds of mentors, angel investors, and venture capital funds to develop meaningful solutions to address some of most pressing socioeconomic challenges.

Aamer Ejaz said, “As Pakistan’s leading digital operator, Jazz is committed to accelerating local startup ecosystem and driving innovation in country. It is heartening to witness growth these startups are bringing and we look forward to nurturing more startups and contributing to economic growth and development.”

He added, “I am confident that our partnership with Ignite will continue to inspire, enable, engage and facilitate startup ecosystem and promote entrepreneurship in country.”

Asim Shahryar talked about government’s vision to transform Pakistan into digital and innovation hub to accelerate country’s socioeconomic growth.

He was of view that government is committed to uplift entrepreneurial skills and exposure of youth, helping them realise their full potential.

He said, “Currently, we are working on opening first-of-its-kind accelerator programme and establishing Centers of Excellence for Gaming and Animation in Karachi and Lahore.”

Around 24 percent of NIC Islamabad’s startup founders are female and flagship programme, called Foundher has been launched to facilitate them further.

For female founders and staff, daycare centre has also been established where they can leave their children while they work. Centre has won awards for its wheelchair-friendliness making it an ideal, stress-free environment to work in.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 24 2023

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