The National Incubation Centre (NIC) Hyderabad celebrated the graduation of its first and second batch of startups in a ceremony held at the seminar hall of NIC, Sindh University Elsa Kazi Campus here on Friday.
The event was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor, Sindh University, Professor (Meritorious) Dr. Muhammad Siddique Kalhoro, which was attended by MPA Rashid Khan, former Vice-Chancellor of Sufi University Bhitshah Dr. Parveen Munshi and officials from the concerned federal ministry.
The event was organized in collaboration with Ignite and the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication.
In his address, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Siddique Kalhoro praised NIC Hyderabad’s pivotal role in advancing Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape and highlighted the centre’s efforts in providing mentorship, training and funding opportunities to budding entrepreneurs, thereby shaping the startup ecosystem of the country.
“NIC Hyderabad, the sixth centre of the country, has become a driving force in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The establishment of this centre in Hyderabad was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the former Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin-ul-Haque,” he remarked.
Dr. Kalhoro further said that the graduation ceremony was a testament to the determination and hard work of the startups.
“Hyderabad, the second-largest city in Sindh, has witnessed the remarkable journey of NIC startups as they strive to make an impact in the tech industry. I wish them the best of luck as they embark on their mission to drive economic growth, create jobs and elevate Pakistan’s standing on the global stage”, he said.
He also reiterated the university’s commitment to supporting NIC Hyderabad.
“We are proud to see 25 startups graduating today. Our university will continue to offer every possible assistance to strengthen the centre, with the hope that many of these startups will achieve significant success in the future,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
Dr. Kalhoro suggested that NICs should also focus on conducting investor education workshops to enlighten local investors on the potential returns from investing in high-growth startups.
“This will build confidence among foreign investors as well, encouraging them to partner with local investors and bring foreign investment to Pakistani startups,” he added.
Reflecting on NIC Hyderabad’s achievements, Dr. Kalhoro credited the partnership with Ignite and the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication for fostering an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship.
He reaffirmed Sindh University’s dedication to empowering Pakistani startups, driving innovation, and contributing to the economic prosperity of both the province and the country.
Discussing future plans, he revealed his intention to secure funding for the solarization of the Elsa Kazi Campus in Hyderabad, following the successful grant for the Jamshoro campus.
He emphasized that the savings from solarization could be allocated to the development and repair work of academic buildings including the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Education and Dr N.A. Baloch Model School .
The ceremony concluded with Dr. Kalhoro distributed certificates and shields to the 25 graduates who successfully launched their businesses after completing a year of training at NIC Hyderabad.
MPA Rashid Khan and other dignitaries were also present to celebrate the achievements of the graduating startups.