ISLAMABAD, June 9: Ignite, operating under the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), has signed an agreement with a Mobilink Bank-led consortium to establish and operate the National Incubation Center (NIC) Sialkot, expanding Pakistan’s startup and innovation ecosystem into one of the country’s leading industrial cities.
The new incubation center is designed to support technology-driven startups and innovative ventures in Sialkot, a major hub for exports, manufacturing and entrepreneurship. Officials say the initiative will provide mentorship, business development support, investor connections and market access opportunities for emerging businesses.
The agreement was signed at the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication in Islamabad in the presence of senior government officials and representatives of Ignite, Mobilink Bank and consortium partner CyberVision International.
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the establishment of NIC Sialkot aligns with the government’s vision of promoting innovation and digital entrepreneurship across Pakistan by providing opportunities and resources for young entrepreneurs.
Supporting startups in an industrial hub
Sialkot is internationally known for its sports goods, surgical instruments, leather products and musical instruments industries. In recent years, the city has also emerged as a growing center for e-commerce and digital exports.
According to project details, NIC Sialkot will support up to 25 startups annually through incubation services, mentorship programmes, networking opportunities and access to investors and markets.
The initiative aims to strengthen innovation infrastructure beyond major metropolitan centers while encouraging entrepreneurship, technology adoption, employment generation and export growth.
Focus on technology and emerging industries
Ignite Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Bilal Abbasi described NIC Sialkot as another milestone in efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s startup ecosystem and help entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into scalable businesses.
The incubation center will be open to startups from all sectors but will place particular emphasis on businesses linked to Sialkot’s industrial strengths, including sports technologies, healthcare and surgical technologies, manufacturing innovation, e-commerce and export-enabling solutions.
The center will also encourage innovation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0, advanced manufacturing, smart supply chains, health technologies and digital commerce.
Applications open for first cohort
Mobilink Bank President and CEO Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary said the initiative seeks to expand access to innovation, mentorship, digital tools and financial solutions for entrepreneurs across Pakistan.
Applications for the inaugural incubation programme have officially opened, with the first cohort expected to begin operations after the center becomes fully functional.
NIC Sialkot will become part of Pakistan’s National Incubation Center network, a nationwide programme funded by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication and Ignite National Technology Fund to support technology startups and innovation-led businesses across the country.
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