NIC Karachi Cohort 13 Welcomes 40 Startups from 618 Applicants

NIC Karachi has officially announced its 13th Cohort, selecting 40 innovative startups from a highly competitive pool of 618 applicants. This latest batch reflects diversity in both industry sectors and leadership, with over 30% of the startups led by female entrepreneurs. The new cohort spans a range of high-impact industries, including FinTech, Cybersecurity, AI, Industrial Automation, and HealthTech.

The selection process saw 133 shortlisted startups pitching their ideas before an esteemed panel of 60 industry experts. Representatives from Ignite, Yunus Brothers Group, and the State Bank of Pakistan were part of the evaluation process. After thorough assessments, 40 high-potential startups secured a spot in NIC Karachi’s incubation program, where they will gain mentorship, funding opportunities, and strategic industry connections.

The selected startups are working on innovative solutions to address Pakistan’s critical challenges. Here’s a glimpse of some key ventures in Cohort 13:

Adeel Aijaz Shaikh, CEO of Ignite, emphasized that NIC Karachi continues to strengthen Pakistan’s startup ecosystem, fostering economic growth. Ali Sohail Tabba, Chairman of the NIC Governance Committee, praised the program’s role in driving industry innovation. Meanwhile, Project Director Syed Azfar Hussain highlighted the cohort’s diversity and the impact of NIC Karachi’s ongoing support for emerging entrepreneurs.

The selected startups are set to embark on a comprehensive incubation journey featuring mentorship from industry veterans, investment access, and business development support. The program will conclude with high-profile Demo Days and Investor Summits, where startups will pitch their ideas to major investors and corporate leaders.