The third cohort of the acceleration program led by National Incubation Center Karachi in collaboration with Orbit Ventures is set to convene a panel of industry experts and investors on March 24, 2026, to evaluate a new batch of high-potential startups. The initiative continues to build momentum as part of broader efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s startup ecosystem by enabling emerging ventures to access mentorship, capital networks, and structured growth pathways. The judging session represents a critical stage in the cohort’s progression, where selected startups present their business models, traction, and scalability plans to an experienced panel drawn from diverse sectors.
The panel assembled for this evaluation reflects a mix of venture capital, corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem development expertise. Among the judges participating is Saad Hasan, bringing insights from global investment practices, alongside Azeem Pirani, whose experience in financial services adds perspective on scaling sustainable business models. The session also includes Syed Naseh and Vladimira Briestenska, both contributing firsthand entrepreneurial and fintech-oriented viewpoints. Their combined experience is expected to provide startups with practical feedback grounded in operational realities and market dynamics.
Further strengthening the panel are ecosystem contributors such as Mahmood Mirza and Usama Shamsi, who bring consulting and institutional leadership perspectives to the evaluation process. The inclusion of Mujtaba Shahbazker adds a global entrepreneurship network lens, while representation from Ignite – National Technology Fund is reflected through Komal Kenneth Shakeel and Moaz Nasir. This diverse composition enables a multidimensional assessment process, where startups are evaluated not only on innovation but also on execution capability, market readiness, and long-term scalability.
The acceleration program operates within a broader ecosystem supported by stakeholders including Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Pakistan, Ignite – National Technology Fund, LMKT, and LuckyOne Mall, highlighting a collaborative approach toward innovation and entrepreneurship development. As startups participating in Cohort 3 move through this evaluation phase, the program continues to serve as a platform for identifying ventures capable of scaling with clarity and intent, while also connecting founders with relevant expertise and networks needed to navigate competitive markets.
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