NIC Karachi celebrates 1st anniversary with graduation of 30 startups

September 24, 2025 (MLN): The National Incubation Center Karachi (NIC Karachi), an Ignite initiative under the Ministry of IT & Telecom, celebrated a dual milestone with the graduation of 30 startups from its 12th cohort, coinciding with its first anniversary.

Federal Minister for IT & Telecom, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, graced the ceremony as Chief Guest. She was joined by Mr. Rafique Ahmed Buriro, CEO Ignite, Mr. Asim Ishaq Khan, Vice President LMKT, along with leading investors, industry figures, and ecosystem stakeholders.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to the Prime Minister’s Digital Nation Vision, the Minister praised the entrepreneurial drive of Pakistan’s youth.

“The graduation of startups from NIC Karachi demonstrates the remarkable entrepreneurial talent and resilience of Pakistan’s youth. These young innovators are not only creating jobs but also reshaping industries and showcasing Pakistan’s potential on the global stage,” she said.

Mr. Rafique Ahmed Buriro, CEO Ignite, stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in driving innovation, while Mr. Asim Ishaq Khan of LMKT highlighted the consortium’s role, alongside partners YBG and Orbit Startups, in building globally competitive businesses.

The ceremony recognized the achievements of Cohort 12 startups, many of which are scaling their solutions in local and international markets.

Alumni success stories underscored the impact of NIC Karachi in fostering job creation, revenue generation, and industry disruption.

Since its inception, NIC Karachi has incubated over 375 startups, created more than one million jobs, generated Rs10bn in revenues, and raised upwards of Rs12bn in investments.

The center provides free-of-cost incubation, mentorship, legal and financial advisory, investor access, and advanced labs in fintech, industrial automation, and media.

The event reaffirmed the government’s resolve to empower youth through technology and innovation, aligning with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of building a knowledge-based digital economy.

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