NIC Quetta Seeks New Leadership for Its Biggest Expansion Yet

Ignite – National Technology Fund has announced that it is seeking applications from eligible organizations to manage the National Incubation Center (NIC) Quetta for a new term of five years and two months. The center, which was established to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation in Balochistan, has completed over eight years of successful operations and is now entering its next phase through an open and competitive selection process. The new management will handle day-to-day operations, support startups, and expand outreach across the province. According to Ignite, NIC Quetta has played a major role in building the startup ecosystem in Balochistan. The center has incubated 298 startups and successfully graduated 177 from 14 cohorts. It has become a key hub for young entrepreneurs by offering mentorship, guidance, workspace, and access to funding. Ignite aims to further increase this impact by selecting an organization capable of strengthening incubation programs and expanding opportunities for youth, women, and micro-entrepreneurs. Under the continuation plan, the selected organization will use the existing 17,900 square-foot facility at BUITEMS Takatu Campus. The facility includes workspaces, meeting rooms, training halls, and other essential resources. The new management must induct at least 20 startups each year, ensure at least a 60% graduation rate, and maintain a 25% quota for women’s participation. These targets are intended to boost innovation and promote greater inclusion in the province’s startup landscape. A key part of the next phase is specialized support for micro-entrepreneurs across Balochistan. Ignite has required the training of at least 50 micro-entrepreneurs annually, with half coming from districts outside Quetta. The program will help small business owners improve digital literacy, financial management, online marketing skills, and overall business performance. To support business growth, up to 30% of micro-entrepreneurs will become eligible for seed grants, loans, or investments of up to Rs. 500,000 each year through partnerships with donor agencies and microfinance institutions. The selected organization will be responsible for building these partnerships and ensuring transparent disbursement based on participants’ performance and pitching results. Ignite has also stressed the need to expand investor connectivity for startups. The new operator will hold investor summits, workshops, and networking events to connect innovators with venture capitalists, angel investors, large corporations, and international partners. The management must also ensure that every startup at NIC Quetta is registered on the Pakistan Startup Connect portal for enhanced visibility and investment prospects. The next operational cycle will also prioritize developing sustainable businesses by monitoring startups for at least three years after graduation. Regular tracking of revenue, investments, job creation, and business expansion will be included in performance indicators. Ignite will link annual management fees with the achievement of these KPIs to ensure accountability and measurable progress. Through this call for applications, Ignite aims to boost digital entrepreneurship in Balochistan, create jobs, support women’s economic participation, and strengthen small businesses across the province. Interested organizations have been invited to submit proposals according to the requirements set by Ignite for the next phase of NIC Quetta’s operations.