National Incubation Center Karachi continued the induction process for its upcoming Cohort 15 with the second day of final pitching, bringing together founders and industry leaders to evaluate emerging startups seeking a place in the incubator’s next batch. The session took place at NIC Karachi, where shortlisted founders presented their solutions to a panel of experienced professionals representing diverse sectors including technology, education, venture capital, healthcare, and innovation ecosystems.
The induction final pitching serves as a critical step in the selection process for startups hoping to join the NIC Karachi incubation program. Founders used the platform to present their ideas, products, and business models while demonstrating how their solutions address real-world challenges. The process allows the judging panel to assess each startup’s innovation potential, market viability, scalability, and the strength of its founding team.
A distinguished group of judges participated in the evaluation for the day. The panel included Momina Kazim, Program Manager at CEGA – Center of Excellence in Gaming & Animation Karachi; Athar Khan, Managing Director at Happy Palace Group of Schools (HPGS); Dr. Danish ur Rehman Khan, Technical Advisor to the Vice Chancellor at NED University of Engineering and Technology; Ahsan Jabbar, Chief Executive Officer of AJ Ventures; Wasif Khan, Chief Executive Officer at DVAGO Pharmacy & Wellness Experts under NovaCare Pvt Ltd; and Komal Kenneth Shakeel, Head of Partnerships at Ignite National Technology Fund.
With expertise spanning technology development, venture building, education, healthcare, and partnerships, the judges brought valuable perspectives to the evaluation process. Their role extended beyond scoring startup pitches, as they also provided feedback and insights to founders regarding product development, business strategy, and market positioning. Such engagement plays an important role in helping early-stage startups refine their ideas and better align their offerings with industry needs.
NIC Karachi’s incubation program has become a key platform supporting Pakistan’s startup ecosystem by enabling entrepreneurs to transform innovative concepts into viable businesses. Through structured mentorship, access to industry experts, networking opportunities, and investor exposure, the center continues to nurture founders working across emerging sectors including technology, digital services, education innovation, and health solutions.
The induction pitching sessions also reflect the growing momentum within Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape, where startup incubators and innovation hubs are expanding opportunities for early-stage founders. Platforms like NIC Karachi bring together government-backed initiatives, private sector expertise, and academic collaboration to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of building scalable businesses.
NIC Karachi operates through a collaborative model supported by multiple stakeholders including Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Pakistan, Ignite National Technology Fund, LMKT, LuckyOne Mall, and Orbit Ventures. The program focuses on identifying promising founders and equipping them with the tools and resources necessary to accelerate their ventures.
As the Cohort 15 selection process continues, the final pitching rounds provide a stage for startups to demonstrate their innovation and potential impact. The participation of industry leaders as judges ensures that the evaluation process remains aligned with real-world market expectations while strengthening connections between emerging entrepreneurs and established professionals within Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem.
The session for the day took place on 10th March 2026 at NIC Karachi, bringing together founders, mentors, and ecosystem stakeholders for another step in identifying the next group of startups to be incubated at the center. Through initiatives like these, NIC Karachi continues to support early-stage entrepreneurs and contribute to the development of a stronger and more dynamic startup ecosystem in Pakistan.
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