3 min read
The National Incubation Center (NIC) Islamabad, one of the first NICs launched in Pakistan, will start accepting applications for its 3rd Cohort from December 27th, 2017. Startups from across the country are encouraged to apply to the largest incubation program in Pakistan, launched under the public-private partnership of Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom (MOITT), Ignite (formerly National ICT R & D Fund), Jazz and Teamup.
The National Incubation Center is home to over forty startups in the heart of capital city of Pakistan, providing them with a world-class facility, mentorship, incubation, and acceleration programs.
International and local partners including FbStart by Facebook, Hult Prize, Invest2Innovate, Acumen Fund, Katapult Accelerator and IBM are also working with NIC to drive economic growth through innovation in information and communication technology (ICT).
Startups from all genres including; biotech, fintech, IoT, are encouraged to apply for the program. This 12-month program is focused on actionable training where startups are mentored by experts and thought leaders from across industries. The state of the art facility fosters innovation, growth through one – to – one mentor sessions, tech talks, and allows startups to connect with some of the best industry veterans. The National Incubation program also provides startups with access to grants, VC network, and digital payment solutions.
Those startups which apply to the NIC, follow a rigorous evaluation process and are selected based on the criteria defined by the NIC panel.
Startups are encouraged to participate in local and are highlighted in international events. Some of the existing startups i.e. Manhunt, Lets Innovate, Mapalytics and Anzen at the NIC made their mark and showcased their products at the 4FYN held in Barcelona in February, this year.
The Jazz xlr8 program has been instrumental in laying the foundation for a sustainable technology ecosystem, and in providing resources and expertise to help young entrepreneurs fulfill their potential. Jazz xlr8 works in-line with Vimpelcom’s ‘Make Your Mark’ initiative, which aims to help shape the future generation through exposure and seed funds.
The Jazz XlR8 program offers startups at the NIC with access to the Jazz user base, a global network of mentors, and its digital platforms.
Zouhair Khaliq, Co-founder, Teamup, and a Mentor at the NIC, expressed his views,
“2017 has been a year of innovation, groundbreaking technologies, and change. The year, witnessed the launch of the first-ever NIC, marking the success of a first of its kind public-private partnership, opening doors for pools of talented young entrepreneurs to become a part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.” He added, “As we move into our second year of inviting applications for our third cohort, we encourage all the young budding entrepreneurs to join our thriving entrepreneurial community here at the National Incubation Center, who will continue to spark creativity in innovation and become the reason for the change they believe in.”
Information on NIC, the application process, and details of the program can be found here.
