Ahmed Khan Malik

The National Incubation Centre (NIC), Hyderabad, is helping startups to establish themselves and grow by making inroads into the international market. Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited established the incubation centre three years ago.

The incubation centre plays a crucial role in fostering innovation, accelerating startup growth, and contributing to overall economic development.  Startups, typically comprising four to five founders, receive assistance, workspace, a laptop, training, mentorship, and opportunities for local and international exhibitions from NIC Hyderabad. 

“The incubation centre is a dedicated space where startups receive mentorship, resources, and support during their early stages of development. This centre offers a variety of services, including office space, access to funding, networking opportunities, and expert guidance,” Mustafa Kareem, Director Information Department, Sindh, told WealthPK. 

He said that one of the most significant benefits of joining incubation centre is the access to mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts and business leaders. “Startups can tap into a wealth of knowledge and advice, helping them avoid common pitfalls and refine their business strategies,” he said.

He said that the centre also hosted workshops and training sessions, allowing startups to build critical skills in areas such as product development, marketing, and finance. He said that securing funding was often one of the biggest challenges for startups. “The incubation centre connects startups with investors, venture capital firms, and investors who are interested in funding the new businesses.”

Kareem highlighted the importance of the centre in nurturing Sindh’s startup ecosystem, which provides crucial resources such as mentorship, technical support, and funding opportunities, helping early-stage tech businesses overcome initial challenges. He highlighted its role in accelerating innovation and creating employment opportunities within the technology sector.

Naveed Siddiqui, a consultant of the IT department, said that being part of an incubation centre means joining a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders. “This centre organises networking events, pitch days, and conferences, giving startups the opportunity to meet potential partners, collaborators, and customers.

This collaborative environment fosters knowledge exchange and encourages innovative thinking.” He said that the NIC Hyderabad was facilitating the startups in the interior Sindh districts like Sukkur and Larkana. He said that the Hyderabad Information and Software Houses Association was enabling a huge community of software and IT to benefit from the incubation centre.

He said that the NIC Hyderabad had improved the effectiveness of a variety of industries, including agriculture, livestock, ornamental industrial products, textiles, sugar, cement, etc., located in the Hyderabad city and its adjacent areas.  “The incubation centre has internet and conference rooms, desks, and modern workstations,” Siddiqui said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk