At the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation’s (CTO) Digital Excellence Awards 2026 in London, Pakistan’s National Incubation Centers (NICs) Program—backed by the National Technology Fund—earned the Digital Policy & Regulatory Excellence Award. This achievement underscores Pakistan’s strategic push toward digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and institutional collaboration, driven by key government leadership.
The program’s success reflects the vision of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, whose guidance has shaped Pakistan’s digital strategy. Their leadership ensured the NIC Program’s role in nurturing startups through incubation, mentorship, and investor access, bridging gaps between innovation and scalable business growth.
Our govt has been keen on leveraging Pakistan’s youth bulge & technology for the progress of Pakistan. Presenting National Incubation Centers, Govt’s business incubators across 5 major cities, backed by MoITT & Ignite- National ICT fund! https://t.co/NOZNOOB90t
The NIC Program operates under a collaborative model, uniting public sector support with private sector engagement. This partnership enables startups to access resources, mentorship, and funding, accelerating Pakistan’s transition into a globally competitive technology hub.
This partnership enables startups to access resources, mentorship, and funding, accelerating Pakistan’s transition into a globally competitive technology hub.
While the NIC Program’s award was a standout achievement, Pakistan’s broader contributions to digital policy and regulatory excellence were also celebrated at the CTO Awards. Among 56 member countries, Pakistan’s efforts in innovation and entrepreneurship set a benchmark for digital economic advancement.
From Uraan Innovation Hub to National Incubation Centers—opportunities are here. Engr. Usama Bin Mansoor of Ignite calls on young innovators to step up, explore, and thrive in Pakistan’s growing startup ecosystem. The future belongs to those who act. #InnovationHub #IgnitePakistan #UraanPakistan #DigitalYouth