National Incubation Center (NIC) Hyderabad, established under the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication’s Ignite initiative, marked its third anniversary with a ceremony celebrating the graduation of 32 startups from its fourth and fifth cohorts. Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja attended as the chief guest, joined by senior officials from the Ministry, Ignite, LMKT, PTCL, and vice-chancellors from the University of Sindh and Mehran University of Engineering and Technology. Representatives of the business community were also present to recognize the achievements of the entrepreneurs supported by NIC Hyderabad.
Addressing the participants, Shaza Fatima Khawaja praised the dedication and innovation of young entrepreneurs in Hyderabad. She emphasized that eight incubation centers across Pakistan are offering modern facilities, mentorship, and access to networks, enabling youth to launch high-value projects that contribute significantly to the economy. She further noted that on the directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, particular attention is being placed on fundraising opportunities and entrepreneurial training to support startups in scaling their businesses. According to her, more than 300,000 young people are being trained annually under various programs to equip them with skills to establish their own ventures. She also spoke about the Digital Pakistan Act, which aims to increase transparency and efficiency in citizens’ lives while pushing digital transformation across all economic sectors, including agriculture. Additionally, she announced that the country’s fiber optic network would be expanded over the coming years to improve connectivity nationwide.
During the ceremony, officials and stakeholders reflected on NIC Hyderabad’s progress since its establishment. CEO Ignite Rafiq Ahmed Buriro highlighted how the center has proven that business opportunities and innovative ideas can flourish beyond major metropolitan hubs. Vice President of LMKT Asim Ishaq Khan remarked that startups nurtured at NIC Hyderabad are not only achieving success at the national level but are also entering international markets, showcasing the potential of regional entrepreneurial talent.
Project Director NIC Hyderabad Syed Sana Shah provided details of the center’s impact over the last three years. He shared that more than 150 startups had been incubated, generating over Rs. 1 billion in revenue, attracting Rs. 470 million in investment, and creating over 4,000 jobs. At the ceremony, the achievements of 32 graduating startups were recognized, certificates were distributed among the entrepreneurs, and a cake-cutting marked the third anniversary of NIC Hyderabad. Later, Shaza Fatima Khawaja visited various stalls set up by the startups, where she received briefings on their projects and discussed their future plans. The event underscored the government’s commitment to empowering youth through technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation as key drivers of Pakistan’s digital economy.
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