National Incubation Center Karachi recently held its inaugural meeting for its newly formed Advisory Board, a pivotal step in reinforcing the city’s position as a thriving hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. The meeting brought together a diverse group of industry leaders, professionals, and experts with the shared goal of guiding NIC Karachi’s future direction, supporting startups, and driving new growth opportunities in the tech and business ecosystems.
The Advisory Board’s primary focus during the meeting was to help shape the strategic direction of NIC Karachi, which has quickly become a key player in the country’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. As part of this vision, members discussed strengthening ties between industry players, creating mentorship channels for young entrepreneurs, and expanding the support infrastructure for budding startups. This meeting marked the beginning of what promises to be a period of exciting growth and collaboration for both NIC Karachi and the local startup community.
One of the standout moments of the meeting was the election of Vladimira Briestenska as the Chairperson of the Advisory Board. Briestenska brings with her a wealth of experience and a clear commitment to driving innovation in the region. Her leadership will be pivotal in helping shape NIC Karachi’s ongoing efforts to foster a robust environment for startup growth and sustainability.
“I am excited to take on this role and look forward to working closely with the talented individuals here to enhance the startup ecosystem in Karachi. Together, we will identify and unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth,” said Briestenska during her address after being elected.
The meeting also welcomed an impressive group of industry experts and thought leaders as part of the board. Among them was Prof. Dr. Sarosh Lodi, Vice Chancellor of NED University of Engineering and Technology, whose presence underscores the importance of academia in shaping the future of entrepreneurship. M. Azam Mughal, Founder of SECUREBEANS LLC, and Sophia Hasnain, Founder of Linked Things, are both renowned figures in the technology sector, providing invaluable insights into the latest industry trends.
Additionally, senior executives like Zia ul Arsfeen, Senior Vice President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Shamim Rajani, COO & Partner of Genetech Solutions, and Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Senior Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), will contribute their expertise in business development, strategic partnerships, and innovation to guide NIC Karachi’s initiatives.
Khushnood Aftab Sheikh, Chairman of Viper Group, and Shabista Bakhtiar, President of the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) Korangi, also joined the Advisory Board, bringing their diverse perspectives on leadership and empowering women entrepreneurs in the business world.
The members of the Advisory Board will work in tandem with the NIC Karachi leadership team to provide mentorship, resources, and strategic direction to local startups. The goal is to ensure that entrepreneurs in Karachi have access to the tools, networks, and insights needed to scale their businesses and contribute to the region’s economic development.
With the resources, expertise, and mentorship available through NIC Karachi’s Advisory Board, startups in the city are poised to experience significant growth. The collaboration between industry leaders and entrepreneurs promises to push the boundaries of innovation, ultimately benefitting not just Karachi but the wider Pakistani economy as well.
This inaugural meeting is just the beginning of NIC Karachi’s broader mission to position itself as a key player in the global tech ecosystem, and the Advisory Board’s contributions will be critical in shaping its long-term success. As the board continues to meet and strategize, entrepreneurs and startups across Karachi are sure to benefit from the wealth of knowledge, mentorship, and networking opportunities that will result from this powerful partnership.
