NIC Islamabad is reinforcing its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs with the launch of Cohort 5 applications, spotlighting the growing impact of women-led startups across Pakistan’s technology ecosystem. Under the banner “She Didn’t Wait, She Built,” the incubation center highlights its support for more than 80 women-led ventures operating across high-growth sectors including ClimateTech, FinTech, AI, DeepTech, Cybersecurity, SaaS, E-commerce, and HealthTech.
These ventures represent more than early-stage ideas; they are scalable, impact-driven businesses led by founders focused on execution and measurable growth. Among the notable women entrepreneurs supported by NIC Islamabad are Alaina Haroon, founder of OrthoCare Pakistan, transforming mobility and healthcare access; Hasina Zehra of CarbonCap Pakistan, driving climate action initiatives; and Kashaf Akhtar of EcoBricks, innovating zero-waste solutions for a more sustainable future. Their journeys reflect the increasing presence of women at the forefront of Pakistan’s innovation economy.
NIC Islamabad offers a structured, equity-free incubation model designed to accelerate serious founders. Women entrepreneurs in the program benefit from 0% equity and 100% ownership of their ventures, access to the globally recognized Founder Institute curriculum, and mentorship from international industry experts. The program also provides investor exposure, fundraising support, and a structured roadmap focused on achieving traction and scalable growth. By combining strategic guidance with access to networks and capital, NIC Islamabad aims to remove common barriers faced by women founders in scaling technology-driven startups.
The launch of Cohort 5 presents an opportunity for aspiring and growth-stage women entrepreneurs building in AI, SaaS, FinTech, ClimateTech, DeepTech, Cybersecurity, E-commerce, or HealthTech to join a focused ecosystem designed for long-term success. Whether at the idea validation stage or already operating in the market, founders can leverage NIC Islamabad’s structured support to refine their models, strengthen market positioning, and accelerate expansion.
Applications for Cohort 5 are now open, with a deadline of February 20, 2026.
Apply here: https://nicislamabad.com/
Through initiatives like this, NIC Islamabad continues to strengthen the role of women in Pakistan’s startup landscape, ensuring that ambitious founders have the tools, mentorship, and ecosystem support needed to scale impactful ventures.
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