NIC Karachi inducts 35 startups into Cohort 16

The National Incubation Center Karachi (NIC Karachi) inducted 35 startups into Cohort 16 of its flagship incubation programme, marking a milestone in its efforts to help strengthen Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and support the growth of innovative, technology-driven businesses, a statement said on Saturday.

According to the details, the latest cohort was selected through a competitive process that attracted over 700 applications. The selected ventures represent entrepreneurial talent from across Pakistan.

Funded by Ignite – National Technology Fund under the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, NIC Karachi is managed by LMKT in partnership with Lucky Landmark Pvt. Ltd., with Orbit Ventures serving as its international acceleration partner.

The center provides startups with structured incubation support, mentorship, capacity-building opportunities, and access to industry networks to help founders strengthen their businesses and pursue sustainable growth.

As per the statement, NIC Karachi’s incubated startups have collectively generated over Rs13 billion in revenue and attracted over Rs13 billion in investment.

“Through its collaboration with Orbit Ventures, Cohort 16 startups will benefit from enhanced mentorship, structured acceleration opportunities, and greater exposure to international networks and potential investors.

“The collaboration aims to help founders strengthen their business strategies, improve investment readiness, and explore opportunities to expand into local and international markets,” the statement read.

Syed Azfar Hussain, Project Director of NIC Karachi, said, “The induction of Cohort 16 marks another important milestone in our journey to strengthen Pakistan’s startup ecosystem. The quality and diversity of ideas we have seen this year reflect the growing entrepreneurial ambition in the country.”