MoIT to provide technologically sound environment to startups

ISLAMABAD, May 10: Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Anusha Rehman Thursday said, government aimed to enable the young entrepreneurs and start ups to run and improve their businesses, ideas in technologically sound environment.

While addressing the graduation ceremony of National Incubation Center's (NIC) 1st Cohort minister said in Pakistan technology has come through revolution rather than evaluation.

Minister said "It is a day of celebration not only for the passing out cohort, but for us as well. You should have faith in the learning and expertise developed during your time at the NIC."

She said the NIC was a testament to the growing synergy between the public and private sectors to promote youth-led entrepreneurship and realize the government's dream of a digital Pakistan.

While we embark on the journey of empowering our communities through technology, it is pertinent to look at other countries, which are ahead of us on the digitalization curve, she added.

Anusha said first time in the history of IT sector of the country, such a huge investment was being made in Balochistan which aim to target hundreds of villages to connect with 3G service.

Ministry has taken Balochistan as a priority to provide telecom services and these services will include the provision of both voice and data facilities under 3G licenses.

Anusha Rehman described the DigiSkills program as an important part of Information Technology initiative of the government.

She said the program would create online employment opportunities to enable youth to earn 200 to 300 dollars per month.

She said with the help of this program, youth from across the country will provide services across the globe. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - JAZZ Amir Ibrahim said, “Being a leading digital company with global expertise through VEON, JAZZ believes in empowering societies.

"We are doing so by building a healthy, robust startup eco system and bridging digital divide through our vast data network" he said. He said the next step is to ensure a digital eco system that not only supports our endeavors, but also assists the government in achieving its SDGs.

This is the first NIC in Islamabad set up under a joint public-private partnership between Jazz, Ignite and TeamUp, under the umbrella of ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.

It is the largest incubation center in Pakistan with 40 startups inducted each year in six months cycle for a twelve month programme and provided world class facilities, a best in class customized curriculum and Jazz's bespoke Jazz x1r8 acceleration programme.(APP)