ISLAMABAD

In a move aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem and supporting technology-driven entrepreneurship, Ignite has partnered with Mobilink Bank and CyberVision International to establish and operate the National Incubation Center (NIC) Sialkot.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday under the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), marking another step in the government’s efforts to expand startup support infrastructure beyond major metropolitan cities.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of a digitally empowered Pakistan and reflects the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship nationwide.

Located in one of Pakistan’s leading industrial and export hubs, NIC Sialkot will support up to 25 startups annually through mentorship, business development services, investor connections, market access opportunities, and networking support. The center is expected to help entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into scalable businesses while promoting technology adoption and export competitiveness.

Sialkot, globally known for its sports goods, surgical instruments, leather products, and musical instruments industries, has also emerged as a growing center for e-commerce and digital exports. Officials believe the incubation center will further accelerate innovation in sectors closely linked to the city’s industrial strengths.

Mobilink Bank President and CEO Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary said the initiative would provide entrepreneurs with access to mentorship, digital tools, financial solutions, and market opportunities needed to scale their businesses and contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth.

While open to startups from all sectors, NIC Sialkot will place particular emphasis on sports technologies, healthcare and surgical innovation, advanced manufacturing, e-commerce, export-enabling solutions, artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0 applications, smart supply chains, and digital commerce. Applications for the inaugural incubation cohort have officially opened