IBA Centre for Entrepreneurial Development (IBA CED) has announced the opening of applications for the Sindh Innovation Accelerated Program, a targeted accelerator aimed at helping growth-stage startups scale operations, validate market fit, and prepare for investment. The initiative is supported by Sindh Enterprise Development Fund (SEDF), Government of Sindh, and implemented in partnership with Sapphire Consulting Services. The program focuses on enhancing the traction of regional startups while equipping them with practical tools for sustainable growth and operational efficiency.
The Sindh Innovation Accelerated Program provides founders with more than classroom learning. It delivers a hands-on approach combining strategic guidance, mentorship, and access to key ecosystem networks. The program is designed for startups transitioning from early validation to growth, offering advanced training, one-on-one mentorship, networking opportunities, and investor readiness preparation.
Applications for the first cohort opened on 22 January 2026, with proposals due by 22 February 2026. Shortlisted startups will participate in an assessment lab from 4–6 March 2026, leading to participant onboarding on 27 March 2026. The program will select approximately 20 startups, who will engage in a structured multi-month acceleration journey, including training modules, mentorship sessions, and a Demo Day aimed at connecting founders with investors, partners, and stakeholders.
The program is structured around three core pillars: strengthening business and market strategy, enhancing execution and growth capabilities, and preparing teams for fundraising and scaling. Founders will engage in over 50 hours of advanced training and more than 100 hours of personalized mentoring from industry experts and experienced operators. This framework helps startups refine their value propositions, deepen customer understanding, and develop scalable revenue models. Additional access to funding networks, ecosystem partners, peer cohorts, and alumni networks further supports long-term growth and sustainability.
Startups based in Sindh, building for Sindh or regional markets, are encouraged to apply. Eligible participants should have achieved early market traction, such as a minimum viable product or early revenue, and ideally be registered with SECP for at least one year. The program prioritizes inclusivity, encouraging applications from women-led teams, minority founders, and entrepreneurs from remote districts, with support provided for in-person engagement during program phases.
Participants are expected to fully commit to all sessions, mentorship engagements, and milestone checkpoints. This structured approach ensures that startups can rapidly iterate on strategies, strengthen operational discipline, and establish valuable connections within the broader ecosystem, enhancing investor engagement and commercial momentum.
The Demo Day, scheduled for October 2026, will give startups an opportunity to showcase their progress, market traction, and investment readiness to investors, corporate partners, government stakeholders, and donors. This milestone serves as a platform for founders to demonstrate business potential and secure strategic partnerships to support future growth.
By combining structured mentorship, market-focused training, and ecosystem connectivity, the Sindh Innovation Accelerated Program reinforces IBA CED’s mission to develop entrepreneurial talent, strengthen Pakistan’s startup ecosystem, and help promising ventures transition from early validation to scalable, investor-ready businesses.
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