Islamabad: Ignite and Mobilink Bank have announced a partnership to establish the National Incubation Center (NIC) in Sialkot, aiming to bolster Pakistan’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape. The collaboration seeks to provide a platform for technology-driven startups in Sialkot, a key industrial and export hub in the country.
According to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the agreement was formalized at a ceremony attended by senior officials from the Ministry, Ignite, and Mobilink Bank. Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering digital entrepreneurship, aligning with the Prime Minister’s Digital National Pakistan vision.
Sialkot, known for its industries in sports goods and surgical instruments, is seeing growth in e-commerce and digital exports. NIC Sialkot aims to support up to 25 startups annually, providing mentorship, business development services, and investor linkages. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to expand innovation infrastructure beyond major cities, promoting entrepreneurship and export growth nationwide.
Muhammad Bilal Abbasi, CEO of Ignite, highlighted NIC Sialkot as a milestone in strengthening Pakistan’s startup ecosystem, aiming to transform innovative ideas into scalable businesses. The center will support startups from various sectors, with a focus on industries such as sports technologies, healthcare, and digital commerce.
President and CEO of Mobilink Bank, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, noted the importance of inclusive economic growth and the role of NIC Sialkot in equipping entrepreneurs with necessary resources to succeed. The center will also explore high-growth areas like Artificial Intelligence and smart supply chains.
The NIC is funded by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication and Ignite National Technology Fund, operating a network with seven regional centers across Pakistan. Applications for the inaugural incubation program at NIC Sialkot are now open, offering an opportunity for startups to engage with this initiative.