Ignite, Mobilink Bank consortium to launch NIC Sialkot

June 10, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan's technology incubation network is expanding after Ignite, operating under the Ministry of IT and Telecom (MoITT), inked a deal with a Mobilink Bank-led consortium, which includes CyberVision International  to establish and operate a National Incubation Center (NIC) in Sialkot.

The signing ceremony was held at the MoITT offices in Islamabad and was attended by senior ministry officials alongside representatives from Ignite and Mobilink Bank, according to a press release issued.

Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the establishment of NIC Sialkot reflected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's Digital National Pakistan vision, with the government committed to nurturing innovation and digital entrepreneurship by equipping young entrepreneurs with the right resources and opportunities.

The center will support up to 25 startups annually through mentorship, business development services, investor linkages, market access, and networking support.

While open to all sectors, it will particularly focus on ventures aligned with Sialkot's industrial strengths  including sports technologies, surgical and healthcare technologies, manufacturing innovation, e-commerce, and export-enabling solutions.

High-growth areas such as artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0, smart supply chains, and digital commerce will also be prioritised.

Ignite CEO Muhammad Bilal Abbasi said NIC Sialkot marked another milestone in strengthening Pakistan's startup ecosystem, aimed at helping entrepreneurs transform ideas into scalable businesses while promoting technology adoption and export competitiveness.

Mobilink Bank President and CEO Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary said the initiative reflected a belief that innovation must be accessible, inclusive, and rooted in local business realities, with the center designed to equip entrepreneurs with mentorship, digital tools, financial solutions, and market access.

NIC Sialkot joins a nationwide network of seven regional centers funded by MoITT and Ignite National Technology Fund.

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