The National Incubation Centre (NIC) Karachi, based at NED University of Engineering and Technology (NEDUET), successfully concluded its largest startup induction program, marking the 10th day of an intense selection process. More than 125 startups participated, competing for spots in NIC Karachi’s 13th Cohort, which will ultimately include around 40 ventures selected from over 600 applications. The participating startups spanned diverse sectors, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, industrial automation, blockchain, e-commerce, and sustainability.
NIC Karachi Project Director Syed Azfar Hussain emphasized the significance of this milestone for Pakistan’s startup ecosystem. He noted that the event reflected the country’s growing entrepreneurial momentum, as early-stage founders pitched their ideas to investors, corporate leaders, and government stakeholders. He stressed that startups tackling real-world challenges through technology-driven solutions are critical to the digital economy and that NIC Karachi is committed to providing them with mentorship, industry connections, and resources to succeed.
Cybersecurity emerged as a key focus during the event, with experts highlighting the growing threat of malware, ransomware, and financial fraud. LMKT Vice President Asim Ishaq Khan underscored that cybersecurity is no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses in today’s digital landscape. He pointed out that startups are at the forefront of developing solutions for cloud security, identity and access management (IAM), blockchain-based secure transactions, IoT security, and advanced phishing detection. He further added that NIC Karachi actively supports cybersecurity startups in building cutting-edge technologies to protect digital ecosystems and counter emerging threats.
Several cybersecurity startups showcased their innovations during the induction process. One such venture, Agentic Enabled VAPT, founded by Muhammad Ali, is addressing inefficiencies and high costs in cybersecurity compliance. His AI-driven solution automates vulnerability detection, prioritizes threats in real time, and provides continuous security monitoring with actionable insights, reducing audit costs and improving accuracy. Another startup, FraudShield, founded by Abdul Basit, focuses on tackling financial fraud, a growing concern in Pakistan. Traditional fraud detection systems struggle with slow response times and false positives, but FraudShield’s AI-powered platform offers real-time fraud detection, adaptive risk assessment, and anomaly detection to prevent unauthorized transactions.
A unique AI-powered productivity tool was also introduced at the event. Shadow You: A Digital Twin Solution, founded by Asad Askari, aims to address inefficiencies in time management and excessive meetings. The platform provides an AI-driven digital twin that records and summarizes meetings, automates tasks, and optimizes schedules, helping professionals better manage their workloads.
Cybersecurity experts at the event also highlighted Pakistan’s increasing cyber risks, citing a 30% global rise in ransomware attacks between 2022 and 2023. SEO expert and IT coach Mehboob Shar, Founder and CEO of iCreativez Technologies, stressed that data security is as valuable as currency in the digital economy. He announced that iCreativez Technologies has launched a dedicated cybersecurity division to help businesses strengthen their data protection measures.
Dr. Adnan Ahmed Arain, Head of the Cyber Security Department at Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology, spoke about the alarming increase in cyberattacks in Pakistan. He referenced a major 2024 data breach that exposed millions of citizens’ CNICs and contact details on the dark web, as well as previous ransomware attacks targeting K-Electric and the Institute of Space Technology. He emphasized the need for businesses to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA), encryption protocols like SSL/TLS, and robust antivirus solutions while ensuring continuous staff training to defend against phishing attacks.
The NIC Karachi 13th Cohort event underscored the growing importance of cybersecurity in Pakistan’s digital transformation while showcasing the collaborative efforts of startups, industry leaders, and investors in fostering a more secure and tech-driven future.
