In a much needed move, Sana Shah has been appointed as Ignite’s first female Project Director for a National Incubation Center (NIC), specifically leading NIC Hyderabad. This milestone marks a significant step forward for women in leadership positions in Pakistan’s tech industry. NIC Hyderabad is part of LMKT’s network of three NICs, those in Karachi, Peshawar and Hyderabad.
With an impressive 16-year career trajectory, Sana Shah brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Her journey began at Rasala Publications leading the IDG Pakistan portfolio, where she spent a decade contributing to the growth of the technology ecosystem. Later, she served as Creative Lead, Program Manager and then Acting Director at NIC Karachi, before taking on the role of Director Academy at AshreiTech for nearly a year. Now, rejoining the Ignite ecosystem, Sana Shah is poised to leverage her expertise to drive innovation and progress at NIC Hyderabad. As Project Director, she aims to develop deeper industry linkages, promote entrepreneurship, and nurture startups in the area.
Shah’s appointment is a testament to her dedication and commitment to Pakistan’s tech industry. Her extensive experience has equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead NIC Hyderabad towards excellence.
She is also known for having helmed and led several programs at NIC Karachi including Asia Foundation’s Built By Her program. She also successfully brought INSEAD Business School’s esteemed entrepreneurship program XSEED to Pakistan, where over 200 businesses participated in the 16-week training – an MBA-equivalent program for startups.
Additionally, Sana co-facilitated the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program, initiated by the US Consulate General Karachi, Pakistan, specifically targeting home-led businesses of women residing in rural Sindh. This program aims to equip these women with essential skills to scale their startups.
Sana Shah’s achievement serves as a much needed reminder that women can excel in leadership positions in Pakistan’s tech industry. Her appointment will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in her footsteps. As NIC Hyderabad embarks on this new chapter, Sana Shah’s vision and leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship and innovation in the region.
About NIC Hyderabad
The National Incubation Center (NIC) Hyderabad is a premier incubation center dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Pakistan. With a focus on technology-driven startups, NIC Hyderabad provides resources, mentorship, and support to entrepreneurs.
