Pakistan To Incubate 200 Gaming & Animation Startups For Growing Creative Economy

The Pakistani government has officially inaugurated the Center of Excellence in Gaming & Animation (CEGA), a significant initiative designed to bolster the nation’s burgeoning creative economy.

A collaboration between Ignite National Technology Fund, HUM Network, and the Ministry of IT & Telecom, CEGA is poised to become a cornerstone of the country’s digital future. The center’s ambitious plan includes incubating 200 startups over the next five years, training 10,000 individuals in gaming, animation, and interactive content creation, and offering 100 free co-working seats to budding entrepreneurs.

CEGA: Strategic Vision and Funding

The major gaming and animation investment is backed by a budget of approximately Rs 2.52 billion. Following a competitive bidding process, the contract to develop CEGA was awarded to HUM Network in mid-2025. The center’s core mission is to provide comprehensive support to the creative ecosystem through:

• Mentorship
• Funding opportunities
• Access to international markets for startups
• Skill development for young talent to enhance global competitiveness

Federal Minister for IT & Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the government’s broader digital strategy, which focuses on strengthening Pakistan’s creative and tech sectors to boost export potential.

HUM Network leadership added that the center will contribute more than just infrastructure, providing essential storytelling, content creation, and media expertise critical for successful game and animation production.

Industry Gaps and Growing Creative Economy

Industry analysts see CEGA as a potential turning point for Pakistan’s gaming and animation sectors, which have already experienced rapid growth driven by a large youth population and increased mobile penetration. CEGA aims to address longstanding limitations, including:

• Lack of formal training programs
• Weak infrastructure
• Limited access to global markets

For CEGA to realize its full potential, its success will depend on several key factors:

• Transparent Operations: Maintaining clear and fair processes.
• Equitable Access: Ensuring all provinces can benefit from the initiative.
• International Partnerships: Forging strong connections with global players.

If effectively managed, CEGA could become a landmark institution, driving significant export revenue and establishing Pakistan as a notable player in the global digital creative economy.