Applications for the 3rd Cohort of NICF have now closed, and we're exhilarated by the remarkable response from all you enthusiastic minds out there. A total of 561 applications have been received, fueling our anticipation for the imminent showcase of innovative ideas and promising startup solutions. To all the applicants, may the odds be in your favour as we eagerly await learning about your groundbreaking ideas on our Pitch Day.
Best of luck, and we are excited to see what you all have in store!
Startup News
NICF startup Greekian has made it as an international finalist in the USA startup category at the growth stage for the World Startup Championship '23.
Their remarkable dedication and innovative strides have earned them this well-deserved recognition on the global stage.
We are absolutely thrilled and immensely proud of our startups, Royal Trading Company, and Modish Landscape, for presenting their groundbreaking ideas at the Investors Connect & Networking event held at the Prime Minister's office on July 25, 2023. Their innovative solutions made a profound impact on everyone present, including our honourable Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
Syeda Rameen Riaz, the Founder of our very own Guiltless Pleasure Eating, has graduated from the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs 2022 by the US Embassy. Selected from 128 outstanding teams across Pakistan, Rameen has secured her spot in the top 12 for seed funding. Her journey is an inspiration to aspiring businesswomen everywhere.
Among 66 remarkable startups, NICF startup Oinic has emerged as one of the top 6 in the Zindagi Prize Lahore Regionals, marking a significant milestone in its journey. This achievement underscores Oinic's dedication to innovation and its promising trajectory in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Kudos to Ahmad Zafar, the founder of our very own startup, Modish Landscape, for his exceptional achievement of securing the runner-up position and a grant of 0.5 million at the Prime Minister Youth Program - National Innovation Award in the Climate Change & Environment Category.
Our Growing Community!
We were thrilled to host the exceptional artist Abdullah Qureshi, creating an unforgettable experience at our state-of-the-art facility. His presence and support for the startup ecosystem greatly inspire us, and we're immensely grateful for this enriching engagement.
Our team had an exciting and productive day at the Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) head office, engaging with key executives, including Sarfaraz Ahmed Rehman, MD & CEO, Syed Atif Ali, CFO, Iftikhar Kirmani, Senior Manager Business Development & New Projects, Colonel (R) Salar Malik, Managing Monitoring & Coordination, and Ahmed Sadiq, Executive Business Development at FFC. Together, we aim to foster innovation, empower budding entrepreneurs, and make a meaningful impact on the startup ecosystem!
We were honored to have Lt Gen (R) Muhammad Asghar, Consultant CPEC, at our cutting-edge facility. During the visit, our team showcased the pivotal role of NICF in fostering the startup ecosystem. Together, we explored collaborative opportunities that hold the potential to transform Pakistan's agricultural landscape for the better.
Syed Saad Ali Pasha, the Business Development Head, and Rustam Khan, the Agribusiness Specialist, from the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, joined us at NICF. The teams from NICF and ICCIA collaborated on various joint initiatives, focusing on knowledge sharing, skill development programs, and mentorship opportunities for budding entrepreneurs. By leveraging the resources of NICF and the extensive network of the ICCIA, we aim to nurture a thriving ecosystem for the growth and success of startups in Pakistan.
Awais Ahmad, one of Europe's Youngest Scientists in the field of Chemistry, joined us at NIC Faisalabad. During his visit, he participated in a productive meetup with our startups, engaging in enlightening discussions on cutting-edge advancements. Awais shared his expertise and experiences, inspiring our entrepreneurs to think beyond conventional boundaries and embrace eco-friendly practices in their ventures.
A delegation from Huazhong Agriculture University in China, accompanied by faculty from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), joined us at NIC Faisalabad. They were enthralled by the exceptional work being undertaken at NICF, particularly in the realm of agriculture. They expressed their keen interest in supporting and collaborating with us to foster innovation in Pakistan's agricultural landscape.
Ecosystem Initiatives
What an exhilarating day it was with both national and international media at NIC Faisalabad. Overflowing with excitement, the center showcased an ecosystem of innovation as our startups presented their groundbreaking ideas set to revolutionize the agriculture and textile industries. Enthralled by the passion and ingenuity of our founders, the media captured their compelling stories, weaving together a narrative of inspiration and progress.
With great pleasure, we recently hosted the Graduation Ceremony for the Fundamentals of Designing andDeploying Computer Networks (DDCN) program at NIC Faisalabad. The ceremony was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including Naveed Haq, Regional Director - ISOCF, Wahaj Siraj, CEO - Nayatel, M. Salman Zafar, Director - PTA, Waqas Hassan, Assistant Director - PTA, and M. Imran Karim Khattak, Creative Director - Redon Films. Additionally, CEOs from renowned textile companies attended the event to express their support, inspire the graduates, and acknowledge the significance of such training.
Investor Readiness Workshop
Our founders had an amazing experience at our recent Investor Readiness Workshop with Sayyed Ahmad Masud, CEO of Change Mechanics. With profound insights into investor expectations and expertly crafted pitches, Masud empowered startups with essential tools to attract crucial investments.
Founder’s Open Mic
This month, we hosted the Founder's Open Mic – an exclusive monthly meetup tailored for startups. An amazing chance for founders to connect, exchange insights, and draw inspiration from engaging discussions, culinary delights, and interactive games. The event encompassed creativity, camaraderie, and empowerment, nurturing growth for all participating startups.
Upcoming Event's
We are excited to announce an upcoming event that promises to be a game-changer for startups and entrepreneurs seeking to achieve unprecedented growth and success. Join us for a knowledge-packed and interactive talk featuring Syed Ajaz Zaidi, the Founder & CEO of FCD Capital. This exclusive session will take you on a journey through the proven strategies that have propelled startups to meteoric heights, creating companies valued at over $100 million.
Come join us on 17th August, 2023 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm at NIC Faisalabad.
Syed Ajaz Zaidi's impressive track record includes driving multiple tech startups to success, with a combined valuation exceeding $200 million. His strategic decisions and transformative approach have reshaped companies like Hostaway, achieving remarkable three-fold YoY revenue growth and even securing an anticipated acquisition deal valued at $175 million. Ajaz's leadership has not only impacted growth but has also led to successful exits, such as GRINCH AUTOMATION INC.
