{
  "id": 15230916,
  "title": "NIC Karachi inducts 35 startups into Cohort 16",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/nic-karachi-inducts-35-startups-into-cohort-16",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-17T16:07:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40444686/nic-karachi-inducts-35-startups-into-cohort-16"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The National Incubation Center Karachi (NIC Karachi) welcomed 35 startups into Cohort 16 of its flagship incubation program, a significant step in bolstering Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and fostering the growth of innovative, technology-driven businesses, according to a statement released on Saturday. The latest cohort, selected through a competitive process that saw over 700 applications, showcases entrepreneurial talent from across the nation.\n\nFunded by Ignite – National Technology Fund under the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, NIC Karachi is a joint effort by LMKT in partnership with Lucky Landmark Pvt. Ltd., with Orbit Ventures acting as its international acceleration partner. The incubation center equips startups with structured support, mentorship, capacity-building opportunities, and access to industry networks, aiming to bolster founders’ businesses and drive sustainable growth.\n\nSince its inception, NIC Karachi’s incubated startups have amassed over Rs13 billion in revenue and attracted more than Rs13 billion in investment. The statement highlighted that Cohort 16’s journey will be enhanced through Orbit Ventures’ collaboration, offering startups greater mentorship, structured acceleration chances, and expanded exposure to international networks and potential investors. This partnership seeks to help founders refine their business strategies, boost investment readiness, and explore avenues to penetrate local and international markets.\n\nSyed Azfar Hussain, Project Director of NIC Karachi, expressed that the induction of Cohort 16 is a pivotal milestone in the organization’s mission to fortify Pakistan’s startup ecosystem. The diverse and high-quality ideas showcased this year underscore the burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit in the country.",
  "summary": "The National Incubation Center Karachi (NIC Karachi) inducted 35 startups into Cohort 16 of its flagship incubation programme, marking a milestone in its efforts to help strengthen Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and support the growth of innovative, technology-driven businesses, a statement said on Saturday. According to the details, the latest cohort was selected through a competitive…",
  "key_points": [
    "NIC Karachi inducts 35 startups into Cohort 16.",
    "Cohort 16 selected from over 700 applications.",
    "Partnership with Orbit Ventures enhances startup growth."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}