Ignite National Technology Fund, operating under the Ministry of IT & Telecom, has signed an agreement with HUM Network Limited to establish the Center of Excellence in Gaming & Animation (CEGA), described as Pakistan’s biggest initiative for the gaming and animation industry. The project is positioned as a transformative step for the country’s creative economy, aiming to harness local talent and position Pakistan as a regional hub for digital content development.
The CEGA initiative is designed to incubate 200 startups over a five-year period, providing entrepreneurs with mentorship, funding access, and exposure to markets. Alongside startup incubation, the center will offer specialized training programs to 10,000 individuals in gaming, animation, and interactive content. A co-working space with 100 free seats will also be established, serving as a collaborative hub for emerging creative professionals.
The contract signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of IT & Telecom, attended by Federal Minister for IT & Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, ministry officials, Ignite leadership, representatives of HUM Network Limited, and other dignitaries. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Khawaja emphasized that the initiative was aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of building a “Digital Nation.” She noted that CEGA would not only provide world-class skills to youth but also strengthen the ecosystem for gaming and animation in Pakistan, contributing directly to the digital economy.
Duraid Qureshi, CEO of HUM Network, highlighted the network’s role in bringing media and storytelling expertise to the partnership, underscoring that CEGA was about “building a home for every brilliant idea and ambitious mind in Pakistan.” He expressed confidence that the initiative would allow Pakistani talent to compete globally in creative industries.
Ignite CEO Rafique A. Buriro reiterated that CEGA would provide the infrastructure and technical training needed for youth to succeed internationally, aligning with the government’s strategy to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across technology sectors. He emphasized that the initiative builds on Ignite’s broader mission, which includes running National Incubation Centers and supporting R&D in emerging technologies.
Through incubation, skills training, and access to resources, CEGA is expected to accelerate the growth of Pakistan’s gaming and animation industry. The initiative’s long-term objective is to equip startups and individuals with competitive skills, while also creating an export-oriented creative economy. By bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, the center aims to help Pakistan establish itself as a leading player in the global gaming and animation market.
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