Sialkot to Host 9th National Incubation Center: Ignite Boosts Pakistan’s Innovation

Ignite Gears Up for Establishment of 9th National Incubation Center in Sialkot

Ignite National Technology Fund is making significant strides in expanding Pakistan’s innovation landscape with the planned establishment of the 9th National Incubation Center (NIC) in Sialkot. To ensure the strongest possible proposals for its management, Ignite has extended the deadline for firms to submit their bids to September 9, 2025.

This new NIC Sialkot is envisioned as a vibrant hub for budding entrepreneurs, designed to be a catalyst for technological advancement and business growth. The facility will span an impressive 12,000 to 14,000 square feet, capable of simultaneously hosting at least 25 startups, with provisions for future expansion. It will be equipped with essential resources including modern conference rooms, a dedicated session hall, recreational areas, and high-speed internet. The center plans to operate on a cohort model, aiming to induct a minimum of 25 startups annually. A key focus will be on diversity, with 25% of the inducted startups led by women, and a strategic emphasis on ventures that align with Sialkot’s established industrial strengths, such as sports goods, surgical instruments, and musical instruments.

Sialkot is an ideal location for such a pioneering initiative. As Pakistan’s fourth-largest district economy, boasting a remarkable GDP of $13 billion, the city is globally recognized for its manufacturing prowess. It contributes approximately $2.5 billion annually to the country’s exports, representing nearly 10% of the national total. Its primary export categories include world-renowned sporting goods, surgical instruments, and leather products. Famously, Sialkot produces over half of the world’s footballs and is a major supplier of surgical instruments to international markets, supported by thousands of dynamic small and medium enterprises. Esteemed global brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma have long sourced products from Sialkot’s robust industries, highlighting its significant economic potential.

The NIC Sialkot will proudly become the ninth center in the nationwide network of incubation facilities established by Ignite, in collaboration with the Ministry of IT and Telecom. This growing network already includes centers in Islamabad, provincial capitals, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi. These facilities play a crucial role in providing vital support to startups and entrepreneurs, fostering innovation across a diverse range of sectors, from agriculture and textiles to cement, aerospace, and livestock.

The selection process for the managing firm will be rigorous, involving a two-stage evaluation. A committee will first meticulously review all technical bids before proceeding to assess the financial proposals of qualified firms. The contract will be awarded to the highest-ranked bidder following negotiations, based on a weighted score derived from both technical and financial merits. To ensure transparency, an official announcement will be made at least two weeks prior to the finalization of the contract.

This expansion of Ignite’s network into Sialkot promises to ignite new possibilities, blending the city’s rich industrial heritage with cutting-edge technological innovation, and further solidifying Pakistan’s position in the global digital economy.