The National Incubation Center (NIC) has started accepting applications for its incubation program for startups seeking seed funding, known as NIC incubation program, which is being supported by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom (MOITT), National ICT R&D and Mobilink-Warid.
The NIC will provide the state of art facilities to help local entrepreneurs in diverse regions of the country move ideas to market, to support the creation and expansion of startups and to provide early-stage seed funding. The Center will provide startups with a free of cost workspace, incubation, acceleration (Jazz xlr8 program), go-to-market opportunities, and access to millions of telecom users. It will also provide startups with coaching, access to industry leaders, mentors and the resources needed to boost their growth.
Partnerships
Major International and local partners that have voiced their support for the NIC program included FbStart, Hult Prize, Invest2Innovate and Acumen Fund. They will be working alongside NIC, National ICT R&D and TeamUp to drive economic transformation through innovation in information and communication technology (ICT).
NIC as an agent of innovation and economic growth
Since its inception in July 2016, the goal of NIC has remained consistent: to help local entrepreneurs and startups overcome the challenges associated with launching a new product.
Anusha Rahman Khan, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, sees NIC as being strongly positioned to reap the benefits of economic growth, especially through its private and public partnerships.
“The National Incubation Center will provide state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities to foster economic growth through innovation and wealth creation. Through this initiative, we hope to encourage an ecosystem of indigenous product development in the arena of ICTs. This initiative is in pursuance with Vision of the Government of Pakistan, which endeavors to encourage entrepreneurship-led growth. These tech start-ups will help us as a nation better embrace the innovation-centric knowledge economy,” Ms. Anusha Rahman Khan, said in a statement.
Jazz xlr8 program at the NIC
Mobilink-Warid has also joined the NIC incubation program. The private telecom service provider will provide resources and expertise to help young entrepreneurs execute on their ideas.
Through its Jazz xlr8 program at NIC, the telecom operator will offer startups access to its user base, an international network of mentors, and its digital platforms.
“Jazz xlr8 provides a launching pad for young entrepreneurs to test and market their ideas into the broader economy. The National Incubation Center with its Jazz xlr8 program provides a great opportunity to Pakistan’s budding entrepreneur community to let the world know about their immense potential, and how they can use this potential to bring a positive change in the society.” Aamir Ibrahim, CEO – Mobilink and Warid Pakistan, said in an official document provided to Pakwired
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