National Incubation Centre for Aerospace Technologies (NICAT) has officially opened applications for its highly anticipated Cohort 5. This fully funded, one-year incubation and acceleration program is designed for startups that have minimum viable products (MVPs), prototypes, or scalable solutions, providing them with the necessary support to innovate, grow, and establish themselves in the industry.
NICAT is a flagship project funded by the Ministry of IT & Telecom through Ignite – National Technology Fund. The initiative is being implemented by a Netsol-led consortium that includes the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP), Air University, and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra. This collaboration reflects the government’s commitment to fostering high-tech entrepreneurship and positioning Pakistan as a global leader in aerospace and deep-tech innovation.
Since its establishment in 2022, NICAT has made significant strides in supporting Pakistan’s startup ecosystem. The center has successfully incubated 58 startups, facilitated over Rs. 1.2 billion in committed investments, and generated more than Rs. 1.75 billion in startup revenue. In addition to these achievements, NICAT’s initiatives have led to the creation of approximately 2,500 jobs, demonstrating its impact on both the economy and employment sector. Moreover, NICAT has represented Pakistan on several international platforms, showcasing the country’s potential in cutting-edge technological advancements. Speaking about the mission and vision of NICAT, Ayub Ghauri, President of NICAT, emphasized the broader objective of creating an advanced innovation hub for Pakistan.
“Our vision is to establish Pakistan’s premier hi-tech valley—a thriving ecosystem where startups, innovators, and change-makers can transform groundbreaking ideas into impactful solutions. NICAT has already created immense impact over the years, and with Cohort 5, we aim to build on this foundation by continuing to empower startups to achieve their full potential.”
Adeel Aijaz Shaikh, CEO of Ignite, also highlighted the crucial role NICAT plays in Pakistan’s technological transformation.
“We are proud to support NICAT in its mission to transform Pakistan into a global hub for aerospace and deep-tech innovation. Through this program, we aim to foster ground-breaking startups that not only drive economic growth but also position Pakistan at the forefront of technological advancement. Cohort 5 is an incredible opportunity for innovators to scale their solutions and contribute to a digitally empowered, future-ready nation.”
As Pakistan seeks to expand its footprint in aerospace and deep-tech industries, NICAT’s incubation program provides a structured pathway for entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into market-ready products. With access to mentorship, funding opportunities, industry networks, and state-of-the-art research facilities, the startups selected for Cohort 5 will be positioned to make a lasting impact on both the national and global stages.
The opening of applications for Cohort 5 presents an exciting opportunity for startups looking to leverage Pakistan’s rapidly growing innovation ecosystem. By supporting these ventures, NICAT continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of high-tech entrepreneurship and positioning the country as a competitive player in aerospace and deep technology.
