Govt pushes AI adoption as NIC scale startups, jobs, and investment

Pakistan is ramping up efforts to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its startup ecosystem, with the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication urging entrepreneurs to adopt AI-driven solutions to enhance productivity, efficiency, and global competitiveness.

The remarks were made by Zarrar Hasham Khan, Federal Secretary of IT & Telecommunication, during the National Incubation Centre Karachi, an Ignite initiative under the Ministry of IT & Telecom, graduation ceremony of 28 startups from its 13th cohort.  

“The graduation ceremony at NIC Karachi reflects the hard work and determination of our entrepreneurs,” said Zarrar Hasham.

“Through the ministry’s global programs and continued support, we are committed to connecting our startups with international opportunities and markets. At the same time, founders must embrace emerging technologies, particularly AI, not just to stay relevant but to lead innovation.

Learning AI and integrating it into business models will significantly enhance productivity, efficiency, and global competitiveness,” he added.

Since its inception, NIC Karachi has incubated over 440 startups, created more than one million jobs, generated over Rs12 billion in revenues and raised over Rs13 billion in investments. The centre provides incubation, mentorship, legal and financial advisory, investor access, and advanced labs in fintech, industrial automation, and media.

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Addressing the graduation ceremony, Syed Azfar Hussain, Project Director at NIC Karachi, emphasised the significance of the graduation, stating, “NIC Karachi takes great pride in witnessing these startups achieve this important milestone. The consistent mentorship and support extended throughout their journey have been instrumental in shaping their growth and readiness for the market.

As these startups graduate, we remain committed to our role as a leading force in Pakistan’s incubation landscape, continuing to empower and elevate the next generation of innovative entrepreneurs across the country.”

He further stated, “NIC Karachi, in partnership with Ignite and MoITT, has successfully fostered an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation. NIC Karachi is committed to supporting the startup ecosystem in Pakistan, and we strive to empower Pakistani startups, catalysing innovation, and contributing to the overall economic prosperity of the country.”

Muhammad Bilal Abbasi, General Manager Projects at Ignite, highlighted the significance of the graduation of Cohort 13, noting the steady growth of Pakistan’s startup ecosystem and its increasing visibility on the global stage.

He shared that Ignite’s National Incubation Centres (NICs), established across major cities, have become strong platforms for innovation and entrepreneurship, supporting startups in building practical, market-ready solutions, particularly in the technology space.

Abbasi added that the graduating startups of Cohort 13 reflect this progress, demonstrating the impact of structured mentorship, access to funding opportunities, and strong industry connections.

He emphasised that NICs continue to play an important role in preparing startups to scale, compete internationally, and contribute to Pakistan’s digital economy and broader economic prosperity by building innovative, export-oriented ventures that generate jobs, attract investment, and strengthen the country’s long-term economic growth.

The event also featured testimonials from startup founders, who shared their entrepreneurial journeys, key milestones, and success stories.

They highlighted how NIC Karachi’s structured incubation program, mentorship, and access to industry networks played a pivotal role in transforming their ideas into scalable and sustainable businesses. The ceremony concluded with a formal certificate distribution segment, where the guests presented certificates to the graduating startups.