“Startup centers” and “incubators” are both terms that refer to organizations or programs that provide support and resources to early-stage startups. These can include services like mentorship, training, office space, funding, and access to a network of investors and industry experts.
In general, startup centers and incubators aim to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses by providing them with the resources they need to get started and grow their companies. They often have a focus on technology and innovation, but can also support startups in other industries. Some startup centers and incubators are run by universities or government organizations, while others are run by private companies or non-profits.
Pakistan’s Top Startup Centers and Incubators to Take Your Startup to Next Level
Are you a young entrepreneur in Pakistan hoping to expand your startup? Look nowhere else! This article includes a list of Pakistan’s top startup hubs and incubators that may give you the tools and assistance you need to expand your company.
Islamabad’s National Incubation Centre is a startup incubator that offers a wealth of tools and assistance to early-stage businesses. The center provides office space, mentorship, and connections to a network of financiers and business leaders.
It was founded in July 19, 2016 having its headquarters in Karachi, Pakistan.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | July 19, 2016 |
| Headquarters | Karachi, Pakistan |
| Phone No | (051) 8443333 |
The Plan9 is a Lahore-based startup accelerator that offers early-stage startups seed funding, mentoring, and training. The program is meant to transform business owners concepts into profitable ventures.
It was founded in August 2012 having its headquarters in Lahore, Pakistan.
Eligibility Criteria for Plan9
To qualify:
- You must be a Pakistani citizen.
- You must be 18 years or older.
- Startups should have a tech component in their product-based business idea.
- Provide a mockup/wireframe/prototype of the product.
- Have a motivated team of at least 2 members (1 CEO and 1 CTO).
- Founder should commit full-time (9-5 p.m.) exclusively to the startup at Plan9 for the next 6 months.
Facilities
The facilities offered are:
- Free office space
- Stipend per team member
- Uninterrupted power supply and internet connectivity
- Mentoring
- Training and workshops
- Legal advice
- Channels for funding opportunities
- Connection with potential customers/clients
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | August 2012 |
| Headquarters | Lahore, Pakistan |
| Phone No | (042) 35880062 |
The Lahore University of Management Sciences is home to the incubator and accelerator known as the LUMS Centre for Entrepreneurship. The center helps early-stage entrepreneurs by offering mentoring, money, and other tools.
It was founded in 2002, having its headquarters in Lahore, Pakistan.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2002 |
| Headquarters | Lahore, Pakistan |
| Phone No | (042) 35608000 |
An Islamabad-based social venture called Invest2Innovate helps Pakistan’s early-stage companies by offering them resources and support. The company provides access to a network of investors and business experts, as well as finance and mentoring.
It was founded in 2011, having its headquarters in Islamabad, Pakistan.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Islamabad, Pakistan |
| Phone No | +92 51 2655039 |
A non-profit organization called Jumpstart Pakistan offers tools, coaching, and training to early-stage entrepreneurs in Pakistan. It hosts a variety of events and networking opportunities for business owners.
It was founded in 2014, having its headquarters in Lahore, Pakistan.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Lahore, Pakistan |
| Phone No | (051) 4571119 |
The Foundation is a Lahore-based startup incubator and accelerator. With a focus on technology and innovation, the programme offers mentorship, money, and other resources to early-stage firms.
It was founded in 2018, having its headquarters in Islamabad, Pakistan.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Islamabad, Pakistan |
| Phone No | +92 302 4567890 |
An early-stage business accelerator with a location in Karachi, the P@SHA Technology Incubation Center offers guidance, instruction, and investment. The programme is meant to assist business owners in transforming their concepts into profitable ventures.
It was founded in 2018, has its headquarters in Karachi, Pakistan.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1992 |
| Headquarters | Karachi, Pakistan |
| Phone No | +92-51-8736624 |
Islamabad-based NestIO is a startup incubator and accelerator. The center provides training, mentoring, and connections to a network of financiers and business leaders in Pakistan.
It was founded in 2014, has its headquarters in Karachi, Pakistan.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Karachi, Pakistan |
| Phone No | (410)-598-2413 |
Also read this article: How Freelancing is Shaping Digital Economy in Pakistan
NIC Karachi is located at the NED University Campus in Karachi. It is a center for nurturing economic development in Sindh and Pakistan, funded by Ignite and operated by LMKT. Supported by organizations like HBL, PTCL, PPAF, Founder Institute, and i2i, NIC Karachi began its operations in May 2018. So far, it has successfully brought in over 250 startups into its Incubation and Acceleration programs. They help talented entrepreneurs and startups from Sindh by offering a bunch of resources. Their support includes mentoring, training, funding access, and technical help to build successful and sustainable businesses. They focus on tech and tech-related startups in areas like education, agriculture, commerce, waste disposal, robotics, and more.
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Industry | Venture Capital and Private Equity |
| Headquarters | Karachi, Sindh |
| Type | Government Agency |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Phone No: | 02124356783 |
Lahore-based Innovation District 92 is a startup incubator and accelerator. The center focuses on technology and innovation and offers funding, mentoring, and training to Pakistani early-stage entrepreneurs.
It was founded in 2018, has its headquarters in Lahore, Pakistan.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Lahore, Pakistan |
| Phone No | (042) 38104227 |
The PlanX located in Lahore, is an accelerator meant to complement its sister incubator, Plan9. The program is slightly longer, lasting six months but it also includes free office space and advising without requiring any equity. It provides early-stage funding to startups in the form of seed capital or convertible notes.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | September 2014 |
| Headquarters | Lahore, Pakistan |
| Phone No | +92-42-35880062 |
The DotZero is a non-profit organization and community space for entrepreneurs and technology enthusiasts in Pakistan. It is like a shared workspace rather than a complete tech incubator. It doesn’t have a formal program but provides a well-curated work environment to encourage collaboration among the startups working there.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | July 2013 |
| Headquarters | Karachi, Pakistan |
| Phone No | (021) 34556352 |
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the startup ecosystem in Pakistan is developing quickly, and there are many great tools available to support entrepreneurs in turning their ideas into profitable enterprises. The 12 incubators and startup centers that are featured here provide a range of services and assistance, including finance, mentor-ship, office space, and access to networks of business specialists. Aspiring business people in Pakistan might increase their chances of success by taking advantage of these resources. These incubators can offer the assistance you require to realize your objectives and expand your business, whether you are just starting out or hoping to take your venture to the next level.
About the Author: Alishba
