NIC Peshawar’s Second Cohort Continues Innovation Streak

There is no dearth of business talent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the incubatees at the National Incubation Center in Peshawar have proven this fact many times over.

NIC Peshawar is at the heart of KP’s buzzing startup scene and often serves as the space where seasoned business leaders share their insights with the province’s emerging innovators. A recent interactive session at the center saw Taimur Jhagra, KP’s Minister of Finance, Murtaza Zaidi, Director NIC Peshawar, representatives from Ignite fund and NIC Peshawar Advisory Board members, discuss the importance of startups in a country’s economic future.

“I truly believe that supporting youth-led entrepreneurship is the only way to safeguard Pakistan’s economic future,” said Taimur Jhagra, KP’s Minister of Finance. “Our youth is our future and these young startups not only help us advance on the technological front but they also help expand our economy by creating jobs for young professionals and providing new avenues for growth for local businesses.”

The session also saw various entrepreneurs present their business idea, which included an online tutoring service, development of latest agri-tech devices, experiencing virtual tourist spots and development of educational games. Bera, which was recently valued at $1 million, was also among the presenters. Other standout ideas included, Smart Tube Well, an IoT solution designed by a local startup, and Azadi E Bike, a battery-operated electric bike that can travel 100km and reach the speed of 80kmph on a single hour charge.

Through its various programs NIC Peshawar aims to transform these decidedly innovative and socially conscious startups into highly sustainable businesses.

National Incubation Center Peshawar is a joint initiative of LMKT and PTCL that is backed by the Ignite Fund, formerly known as ICTR&D Fund.

Please visit NIC Peshawar’s official Facebook page to get regular updates on the happenings at the Center.