Karachi, Saturday 21st September 2024 - The IBA Centre for Entrepreneurial Development has launched I-INCUBATE, an incubation program supported with the Higher Education Commission (HEC). This initiative formally establishes IBA's incubation program following a highly competitive process, further strengthening the institution's commitment towards start up innovation.

The HEC-funded I-INCUBATE is a thirteen-month cohort offering structured training, dedicated mentoring, goal-setting, accountability, networking, co-working space amongst many other resources and facilities. The program aims to increase the sustainability of the selected student startups, empowering them to create positive societal impact through innovation, job creation, income generation and economic growth. while strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The launch event took place at Aman Tower, IBA City Campus on Saturday 21st September 2024, featuring a welcome address by Dr. Lalarukh Ejaz, Director of IBA CED and program overview by Kanza Sohail, Lead Incubation Program, followed by an introduction to the selected startups. The event was attended by people from the local entrepreneurial ecosystem to celebrate the launch. A total of 21 startups from universities such as IBA Karachi, University of Karachi, DHA Suffa University, Denning Law School, NED University, Jinnah University for Women, FAST-NUCES Karachi, and Iqra University have been shortlisted. These startups span industries including Edtech, Marketplace, Online Earning, Lifestyle, Tourism, Agritech, Electric Bikes, Legal, Engineering, Circular Economy, Energy, Pharmacy, Fintech, Healthtech, B2B Commerce, and Employability. The event concluded with a Networking Hi-Tea, providing a platform for HEC representatives, IBA leadership, and key industry figures to engage and collaborate.