Startup induction nears grand finale

To promote the future of entrepreneurship, witness an extraordinary showcase of the country's brightest startups, and redefine innovation potential, Pakistan's largest startup induction is nearing its grand finale at the National Incubation Centre (NIC) Karachi at NED University of Engineering and Technology (NEDUET), where more than 125 startups are competing for spots in NIC Karachi's 13th Cohort.

The 10-day cardinal event entered its eighth straight day on Wednesday and will continue until Friday (March 21), featuring groundbreaking ideas that have taken the stage and lifted the spirits of astute investors and shrewd tech mavens.

Approximately 125-150 startups have been pitching, and around 35-40 startups will be selected by a panel of expert judges, facilitated by enthusiastic investors and experienced tech professionals. Startups are given a five-minute pitch, followed by a five-minute question-and-answer session.

A defining moment for Pakistan's startup ecosystem is unfolding. With over 60 independent industry leaders as judges and investors, corporate partners, and tech pioneers closely observing, the event is proving to be a game-changer for Pakistan's entrepreneurial landscape. It is driving investment, collaboration, and industry transformation like never before.

NIC Karachi's 13th Cohort will serve as a powerhouse of innovation, bringing together the strongest founders and boldest ideas, shaping the future of Pakistan's startup ecosystem.

The eighth day of the event focused on industrial automation, focusing on the engineering of the future. Startups developing next-generation manufacturing, robotics, and smart infrastructure showcased their solutions, addressing Pakistan's industrial transformation needs.

More than 17 startups from the industrial automation sector presented their innovative ideas at NIC Karachi, where they were evaluated by industry experts, including Khalid Pervez of KPWS Consulting, Nida Farid of Save Joules, Saadia Kazmi of Watsun Engineering and Solutions, and Iftikhar Arif of M&P [Muller & Phipps] Logistics.

The evaluators praised the ingenuity of these tech entrepreneurs, who are developing cost-effective solutions to replace expensive imports. They emphasised that with rigorous mentoring and capacity-building at NIC Karachi, these startups have the potential to scale globally, export their solutions, and contribute to Pakistan's economic stability by bringing in foreign exchange.

Among the standout ventures, 'RILITS' is pioneering advancements in industrial automation, while 'Electric Ark' is designing electric-powered boats to revolutionise Pakistan's maritime sector. 'Sortech Incorporation' is addressing fire hazards through cutting-edge imaging technology, enhancing safety measures. Moreover, 'Manufacturing.pk' has launched a dedicated marketplace for the manufacturing industry in Pakistan, streamlining procurement and supply chain processes.

With such promising startups emerging, NIC Karachi continues to play a crucial role in fostering Pakistan's tech-driven industrial growth.

Industry veteran and energy expert Abdul Sattar Jumani, who is also CEO of Yunus Energy and a Governance Committee member of NIC Karachi, called the 600 applications a positive sign for Pakistan's entrepreneurial ecosystem. He lauded all the founders who applied for incubation, stating that visionary entrepreneurs like them have the potential to transform Pakistan's future.

Speaking about the current cohort of startups, he said, "We have high hopes for these young businesses. Pakistan witnessed a significant entrepreneurial boom in the 1960s, and we expect that public-private partnership projects like NIC Karachi have the potential to deliver impactful entrepreneurial ventures. These ventures can help transform Pakistan from a developing nation into a tech-driven, developed country."

Tech veteran and NIC Karachi Project Director Syed Azfar Hussain said, "Meet Pakistan's most innovative founders! This induction is a showcase of Pakistan's brightest entrepreneurial talent, featuring visionary founders solving critical challenges through cutting-edge technology and disruptive business models. The last two days will determine which startups make it to the final selection, solidifying NIC Karachi's reputation as the breeding ground for Pakistan's next wave of tech leaders."

So far, the event has witnessed exceptional entrepreneurial energy, with strong founders presenting transformative ideas across multiple industries. Women-led startups were given dedicated pitching opportunities from Monday to Tuesday. Over 100 startups have already presented, showcasing unique and innovative solutions in artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare, e-commerce, sustainability, and industrial automation.

As the induction heads into its final two days, the focus shifts to high-impact innovation in fintech and cybersecurity, with more than 30 game-changing pitches still to come. The momentum continues to build as Pakistan's most innovative startups step into the spotlight.

Today (Thursday), the focus will be on fintech, highlighting the digital banking revolution. Fintech startups will introduce disruptive innovations in digital payments, blockchain, financial inclusion, and AI-driven banking solutions.

Tomorrow (Friday), cybersecurity will take centre stage, tackling the rising digital threats. Cybersecurity startups will present cutting-edge defense mechanisms, secure digital infrastructure, and AI-powered risk mitigation strategies.