NIC Karachi Incubation Cohort 15 – Induction Final Pitching (Judges Day 5) continued to gather momentum as a distinguished panel of industry leaders and experts convened on March 13, 2026, to assess emerging startups aiming to secure a place in the incubation program. Held online via Zoom, the session brought together a diverse group of professionals with expertise spanning technology, corporate affairs, cybersecurity, and business strategy, reflecting the program’s commitment to a well-rounded evaluation process. The initiative remains a key platform for early-stage founders to present their ideas, demonstrate market potential, and receive critical feedback from experienced industry practitioners.
The judging panel for the day included Sehrish M., serving as Head of Information Security & Data Protection, Moaz Nasir, Expert Partnerships and Collaborations at Ignite – National Technology Fund, Fatima Arshad, Global Corporate Affairs Manager at Unilever, Mahwish Saad Khan, Chief Business Officer at PayFast, and Rabia Saleem, PMP®, Chief Technology Officer at Habib Education Trust. Each judge brought a unique perspective to the evaluation process, contributing insights on scalability, compliance, business viability, and technological innovation. Their collective experience enabled a comprehensive assessment of participating startups, ensuring that selected ventures align with both market needs and long-term sustainability.
The ongoing pitching sessions are part of NIC Karachi’s broader effort to strengthen Pakistan’s startup ecosystem by identifying and nurturing high-potential ventures. Cohort 15 has attracted significant interest, with founders from diverse sectors stepping forward to showcase solutions addressing local and global challenges. The structured evaluation process not only highlights promising ideas but also encourages founders to refine their business models, improve execution strategies, and better articulate their value propositions. Through interactions with judges, participants gain exposure to industry expectations and real-world business considerations that are critical for growth.
Supported by key ecosystem stakeholders including Tech Destination Pakistan, Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Pakistan, Ignite – National Technology Fund, LMKT, LuckyOne Mall, and Orbit Ventures, the incubation program continues to play a vital role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. These collaborations contribute to creating an enabling environment where startups can access mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities necessary for scaling their operations. As the pitching process progresses, NIC Karachi continues to serve as a hub for emerging talent, connecting founders with industry leaders and reinforcing the foundation for future innovation-driven growth in Pakistan’s technology landscape.
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