KARACHI: The IBA Centre for Entrepreneurial Development (IBA CED), in partnership with the Sindh Enterprise Development Fund (SEDF) and Sapphire Consulting Services, officially inaugurated the Sindh Acceleration Programme (SAP) at IBA City Campus.

According to a press release, the SAP represents a major step toward building a stronger, innovation-driven, and inclusive startup ecosystem in Sindh.

The orientation ceremony brought together senior government officials, institutional leaders, mentors, ecosystem partners and startups from across Sindh, marking the beginning of a transformative entrepreneurial journey.

The program was inaugurated by Special Assistant to Chief Minister Syed Qassim Naveed Qamar, alongside Investment Secretary Raja Khurram Shahzad Umer.

In her welcome address, Dr Lalarukh Ejaz, Director IBA CED, reaffirmed IBA CED’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through mentorship, training, and institutional support for high-potential startups.

She also acknowledged the continued collaboration and support of the Sindh government, SEDF, and Sapphire Consulting Services in enabling impactful entrepreneurial initiatives.

IBA Registrar Dr Asad Ilyas emphasised IBA’s vision of becoming an innovation corridor, with IBA CED serving as a dynamic hub for startups both within and beyond the institution.

Mr Qamar reiterated the Sindh government’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and enabling startups to transform potential into progress through access to resources, mentorship and institutional facilitation.

A key highlight of the ceremony was the distribution of laptops to participating startups, symbolising the collective investment in empowering founders with the tools and resources needed to scale their ventures.

Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2026