Hyderabad: The National Incubation Centre Hyderabad, an Ignite initiative under the Ministry of IT & Telecom, reached a major milestone this week. It celebrated the graduation of 32 startups from its 4th and 5th cohorts, alongside its third anniversary.
Since its launch three years ago, the centre has evolved into a dynamic hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. Consequently, it has firmly placed Hyderabad on Pakistan’s digital map.
Federal Minister for IT & Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, attended the ceremony as Chief Guest. In addition, senior representatives from the Ministry, Ignite, LMKT, PTCL, academia, and the business community joined the event.
During her address, the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to the Prime Minister’s Digital Nation Vision. She stated that the graduation of startups from National Incubation Centre Hyderabad reflects the talent and resilience of Pakistan’s youth. Moreover, these entrepreneurs are driving economic growth, creating jobs, and showcasing innovation on the global stage. Under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, the Ministry continues to nurture such ecosystems nationwide.
Rafique Ahmed Buriro, CEO of Ignite, stated that the centre proves entrepreneurship can thrive beyond major cities. Furthermore, he highlighted Ignite’s focus on supporting startups that build globally relevant solutions and generate employment across Pakistan.
Similarly, Asim Ishaq Khan, Vice President of LMKT, noted that Hyderabad-based startups are scaling across the country and beyond. Meanwhile, Project Director Sayed Sana Shah shared the centre’s journey. He said it has incubated over 150 startups, generated PKR 1 billion in revenue, attracted PKR 470 million in investment, and created more than 4,100 jobs in just three years.
As a result, the ceremony celebrated the creativity and determination of 32 graduating startups. It marked another milestone in Hyderabad’s growing entrepreneurial landscape.
Ultimately, the event reaffirmed the government’s resolve to empower youth through technology and innovation. It also aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of building a knowledge-based digital economy, where regional hubs like the National Incubation Centre Hyderabad play a vital role.
