Business incubation is a process that accelerates the successful development of startups by providing entrepreneurs with an array of facilities and services. Incubators nurture young firms, helping them to survive and grow during the startup period when they are most vulnerable. Incubators mostly provide coworking space, mentorship, access to funding and industry linkages to the startups.

The National Incubation Center is Pakistan’s largest technology incubation center; the first purpose built creative space in Pakistan buzzing with innovators, mentors, change-makers and passionate leaders. It’s a living example of a successful public-private partnership between the Ministry of IT & Telecom, Ignite – National Technology Fund, Jazz and Teamup. The National Incubation Center in Islamabad is led by two unicorn founders with around decades of combined experience in setting up organizations from scratch and bringing digital revolution in Pakistan.

The NIC opens its applications twice a year. When the applications are open, the candidates are requested to visit our website (www.nicpakistan.pk), click ‘Apply Now’ and fill the online gust form. The applications are then screened by a panel of judges; if shortlisted, the startups are called in for an interview. The founders who pass the interview are selected for the incubation program.

There is no degree requirement to incubate your startup. In addition, there is no age limit either. You need to have an idea and a Minimum Viable Product (mockup/wire-frame/prototype) to apply for the incubation program.

The NIC opens its applications twice a year. Mostly the applications open in June and November. The announcement is made on all our social media platforms and website.

No startup is entertained just on the basis of an idea. There has to be a Minimum Viable Product (mockup/wire-frame/prototype) to apply for the incubation program.

Among other facilities the National Incubation Center provides:

• A rent free creative co-working space.
• Mentorship and coaching
• Design, Marketing, Finance and legal support
• Custom-designed curriculum
• Commercialization and Industry linkages
• Access to investor and grant opportunities

Jazz xlr8 is premium acceleration program run at the National Incubation Center. Jazz, being the leading tech company, uses its technical and marketing muscle to help startups scale their businesses. The program is tailored made for startups that are market ready. Startups get a rich pack of benefits along with dedicated support from skilled Jazz mentors. Following are some of the value-adds of the Jazz xlr8 program:

• SMS up to 500,000 real user
• Dedicated mentors
• Insights for 500,000 real users
• Paid digital advertising
• Jazz cash discounts
• Payment gateway integration
• Performance marketing guidance
• Access to APIs

All the external events happening at the NIC are announced on the social media. Keep following them to get the latest updates.

The National Incubation Center doesn’t charge any fee neither does it take any equity from the founders. All the services and facilities provided to the startups are completely free of cost.

The National Incubation Center doesn’t provide any direct funding to the startups. However, through its vast network and partnerships, it provides key investor linkages and inform the startups about various grant opportunities.