LAHORE: The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), has made a significant stride in Pakistan’s tech industry by successfully graduating 261 start-ups under the National Expansion Plan (NEP) of the National Incubation Centres (NICs) Programme from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2023.

The PITB is dedicated to providing effective and efficient IT services and infrastructure to the government and businesses both locally and internationally. The NEP of the NICs, one of the largest networks of technology incubation centres across Pakistan, opened registration for start-ups in January 2023.

This initiative, aimed at fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and supporting tech startups, has played a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of tech leaders. By graduating 261 start-ups, the PITB and MoITT have significantly contributed to Pakistan’s digital footprint and its IT exports.

This achievement is a testament to the underlying spirit behind the PITB’s initiatives, which is to partner with tech leaders in the private sector to improve the digital landscape of Pakistan. The graduation marks a significant milestone in PITB’s journey of transforming Punjab’s landscape through innovation. It also underscores the potential of the tech industry in Pakistan and the role of initiatives like the NEP of NICs in harnessing this potential.

The successful graduation of these start-ups is expected to boost the tech industry in Pakistan, create new jobs, and contribute to the country’s economy. It also sets a positive precedent for future cohorts of the NEP of NICs Programme.

PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf stated that 261 start-ups have graduated from January 1 to December 31, including 87 start-ups from Punjab, 64 from Sindh, 20 from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 39 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 31 from Balochistan, and 20 from Gilgit-Baltistan.

Mr Yousaf added that the objective of the NEP of NICs was to democratise entrepreneurship, boost business activity across the country, grow the IT industry, and promote economic growth in Pakistan.

“The incubation programme is tailored for the needs of early-stage startups and runs on a zero-equity model.”

He said that in partnership with public universities, 13 tech incubation centres had been set up across the country. Start-ups are provided with free workspace, mentorship, networking opportunities, a monthly stipend, business support, and legal guidance for a period of six months.

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2024