Female-founded and Industrial automation start-ups dominate NIC Karachi’s cohort 13
The National Incubation Center (NIC) Karachi proudly announces its 13th Cohort, welcoming 40 cutting-edge startups selected from a highly competitive pool of 618 applicants with over 30% representation from female-led ideas. This cohort brings together Pakistan’s most innovative entrepreneurs, working on solutions across specific verticals like FinTech, Cybersecurity, Industrial Automation, AI and more, setting the stage for the next wave of tech-driven growth.
Over the course of the intensive induction process, 133 startups pitched their ideas, showcasing Pakistan’s thriving startup ecosystem and its potential to drive economic and technological transformation.
Following a rigorous due diligence and selection process, over 60 leading industry and tech experts conducted evaluations, including:
- Vladimira Briestenska of Neem,
- Sabeen Gul at National Bank of Pakistan,
- Nida Farid of NRF Engineering,
- Sophia Hasnain of Linked Things,
- Saif Ali from Orbit Start-ups
- Moneeza Butt of KPMG In Pakistan,
- Darakhshan Sheikh Vohra of Raqami Islamic Digital Bank,
- Sameen Adil Sheikh of Shine,
- Nida Tanzeel of Wafi Energy Pakistan
- Babar Khan Javed from Z2C Limited
This included observers from esteemed organizations such as Ignite, Yunus Brothers Group and the State Bank of Pakistan, among others. Around 40 high-potential startups have been inducted into Cohort 13, where they will gain mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to industry experts to accelerate their growth.
A Cohort of Innovators & Trailblazers
NIC Karachi’s Cohort 13 represents a diverse mix of visionary entrepreneurs tackling Pakistan’s most pressing challenges through technology-driven solutions. Unveiling the newly inducted Cohort 13 at NIC Karachi.
CEO of Ignite – Pakistan Technology Fund, Adeel Aijaz Shaikh stated: “The launch of Cohort 13 at NIC Karachi highlights Pakistan’s expanding startup ecosystem and the incredible talent driving innovation forward. At Ignite, we believe in the power of entrepreneurship to create jobs, foster economic resilience, and position Pakistan as a global technology hub. We congratulate all the selected startups and look forward to their success stories.”
Chairperson of NIC Governance Committee, Ali Sohail Tabba stated: “As Chairman of NIC Karachi’s Governance Committee and Director at YBG Group, I’ve witnessed firsthand how our startups in Cohort 13 are poised to redefine industries and create meaningful impact. At YBG Group, we stand shoulder to shoulder with these visionary founders—offering resources, building strategic synergies, and investing early in their success. We believe that nurturing talent at this pivotal stage can pave the way for a more prosperous future for Pakistan. NIC Karachi continues to be a transformative hub of innovation, and we’re proud to champion its mission of strengthening Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Speaking on the announcement, NIC Karachi Project Director Syed Azfar Hussain stated: “Cohort 13 is a dynamic group of startups that embodies the future of Pakistan’s tech landscape, bringing forward groundbreaking solutions that have the potential to reshape industries. NIC Karachi remains committed to fostering a culture of innovation, equipping founders with the tools, network, and support they need to scale their ventures and drive meaningful impact.”
Participation Stats
The startup induction process witnessed remarkable participation from across Pakistan and beyond:
Gender Diversity & Inclusion
What’s Next for Cohort 13?
The selected startups will now embark on a transformative incubation journey, benefiting from:
- Expert mentorship from industry veterans
- Access to investors for investment & funding networks
- Exclusive Business Development opportunities from Corporate partnerships & market access opportunities
- Workshops & masterclasses in business growth & scaling strategies
- Networking opportunities & Exposure through events with national & international stakeholders
Cohort 13 will officially kick off in April 2025, followed by specialized training programs and corporate matchmaking events. The journey will culminate in high-stakes Demo Days and Investor Summits exclusively conducted for the incubated startups, where they will pitch to leading investors and corporate leaders for funding and collaboration opportunities.
A Bright Future for Pakistan’s Startup Ecosystem
With Cohort 13, NIC Karachi continues its mission of fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and driving digital transformation in Pakistan. As the startup landscape evolves, NIC Karachi remains at the forefront, providing founders with the tools, networks and expertise needed to build sustainable and globally competitive ventures.
About NIC Karachi:
NIC Karachi, housed at NED University and powered by the Ministry of IT & Telecom, Ignite, Orbit Startups (Acceleration Partner), YB Group and LMKT, is Pakistan’s premier startup accelerator. It nurtures high-impact startups through mentorship, industry linkages and investment opportunities, driving innovation in FinTech, Cybersecurity, Industrial Automation, Women-led initiatives and other verticals.
