NIC Karachi is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Cohort X induction campaign. The campaign, which lasted 34 days and included visits to more than 10 universities, received a total of 500 applications from a diverse group of startups, representing various industries such as software as a service (SaaS), HealthTech, e-Commerce, EdTech, AI, lOT, AgriTech and BlockChain.
The majority of applicants were from the Sindh region of Pakistan, reflecting the growing entrepreneurial spirit in the region. After a rigorous selection process, 110 startups were shortlisted to pitch to 38 industry experts over 4 days and 9 pitching sessions. A ‘Final Cut’ was also organized for startups who did not make it through the initial pitching group, providing an additional opportunity for these startups to showcase their potential. Out of 110, 34 startups were finally selected for the signature Cohort X induction program at NIC Karachi.
The orientation for the finalists included an introduction by Team NIC Karachi, testimonials from graduated startups, pitches from Cohort X startups, an incubation contract review, and networking and refreshment.
According to Sana Shah, Head of Program at NIC Karachi,
“In the last 4 years, the startups of NIC Karachi have created 97,000+ jobs, earned PKR 5.1+ billion in revenue and raised PKR 7.6 billion in investments with 121 startups graduated. These numbers represent a significant impact on the economy of Pakistan and demonstrate the potential of the startup ecosystem. We are proud to say that we have positively impacted the startup ecosystem with the successful completion of Cohort X. We look forward to supporting these 34 startups as they continue to grow and develop their businesses.”
NIC Karachi is committed to supporting and nurturing the growth of local startups and entrepreneurs. The incubation center offers a range of services such as mentorship, networking opportunities, access to resources and funding, and training and development programs. These services are designed to provide startups with the necessary support and resources to take their businesses to the next level.
Pakistan’s startup ecosystem is rapidly evolving and NIC Karachi is at the forefront of this disruption, providing a platform for startups to grow and succeed. As a leading incubation center in Asia, NIC Karachi continues to support and contribute to the development of Pakistan’s startup ecosystem on a global scale. With a growing number of successful startups, Pakistan’s startup ecosystem is now attracting the attention of investors and entrepreneurs from around the world.