Training

We delivered a 3-month, research-backed training program for ideation-stage entrepreneurs, designed by INSEAD Professors and brought to life by top coaches — Abid Butt, Fareesh Shah, Farwah Tapal, Imran Azhar, Junaid Saleem, Sana Shah, Sheikh Hammad Amjad, and Ziana Sakhia. Using a scientific approach, startups worked on their business model canvas, customer journey mapping, MVP testing, and other core areas, gaining practical skills to shape and validate their business ideas.

                       Mentoring

We paired each entrepreneur with experienced industry experts, successful startup founders, and active ecosystem players for one-on-one mentoring with our esteemed mentors: Ziana Sakhia, Junaid Saleem & Sheikh Hammad Amjad. These sessions addressed individual business challenges, offered tailored feedback, and provided strategic direction, helping founders move from idea to a validated business model. Mentors also opened doors to their own networks, creating opportunities for collaboration and support beyond the program.

                  Investment

Investment opportunities were concentrated at Demo Day, where selected startups pitched directly to investors and industry leaders. This provided entrepreneurs with valuable exposure, real-time feedback, and potential pathways to secure future funding as they progress beyond the ideation stage.

  Monthly Networking Events

As part of the pilot, we hosted monthly networking events that brought together some of the best in the business to share their expertise with our entrepreneurs. Topics ranged from funding and investment, marketing and branding, and team building, to legal considerations, financial management, pitching, personal branding, and grant writing. Industry leaders such as Ishaq Khootawala, Mubariz Siddiqui, Halima Iqbal, Imran Khan, Kassim Shroff, and Aman Nasir led these sessions, giving participants practical insights, fresh perspectives, and valuable connections to advance their entrepreneurial journey.

                Certification

Upon the culmination of the program, the founders received an exclusive online certificate signed by researchers from INSEAD, thereby giving the startups global recognition and credibility.

Incubation Program 2.0

A research-backed hybrid program from INSEAD experts, tailored for idea and early-stage entrepreneurs.

When and Where

The incubation program starts with 7 training sessions, each lasting 3.5 hours. The first session will be held at the 3 base cities: National Incubation Center Karachi, National Incubation Center Lahore, and NASTP Rawalpindi. The remaining 6 sessions will be conducted online. Selected participants will be able to pick between morning (starting at 10.30 am) or afternoon (starting at 3.30 pm) sessions. The program will be delivered in four cohorts:

Frequently asked questions

1.How long is the program?

The program spans 12 months, offering sustained and in-depth support throughout the entrepreneurial journey, with 3-months of online training (content designed by Researchers from INSEAD), followed by monthly industry expert-led sessions, mentoring & check-ins, culminating with Investor Demo Day and a Graduation where you’ll receive your certification.

2. How many training sessions are there?

There are 7 online training sessions spanned across 7 weeks.

3. What happens after the three-month program?

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate of participation and be invited to exclusive monthly events, networking opportunities, and our annual Investor Demo Day. These events will help you continue building relationships and learning from experts in the industry.

4. What kind of startups are eligible?

The program supports early-stage, ideation-phase startups across diverse sectors such as e-commerce, education, healthcare, technology, and more.

5. Is the program fully remote?

Yes, the program is entirely online, except for the first in-person opening session, which will be held in 3 base cities: Karachi, Lahore & Islamabad. However, you can still join online if you are unable to travel to the base cities for the first in-person session.

6. Can I still enrol in the program if I am unable to attend the in-person session, as I don’t live in Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad?

Yes, Absolutely! You can still get enrolled in the program and leverage all our offerings virtually, as we only have our 1st session in-person, while the rest of the program is completely online.

7. Can I participate in the program if I am unable to attend all sessions?

While we strongly encourage participants to attend all sessions to make the most out of the program, we understand that certain circumstances may prevent you from attending every session. Participants who miss more than two sessions may not be eligible for the certificate of participation or invitations to exclusive events.

8. Is there a registration fee regardless of being selected?

A participation fee of PKR 7,000 is payable ONLY UPON SELECTION.

9. Can more than one team member from a startup participate in the program?

Yes, multiple team members from a startup can participate in the program. However, please note that space may be limited, and priority will be given to founders and co-founders.

10. How do I get Seed Funding?

Towards the completion of the program, the startups with high-potential will get a share of RS. 1,000,000 in seed funding.

11. How will my startup's intellectual property be protected during the program?

We respect the confidentiality of all participating startups. Any sensitive or proprietary information shared during the program will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Participants are encouraged not to share any confidential information unless they feel comfortable doing so.