The National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies (NICAT) has officially launched applications for its sixth cohort, inviting startups eager to revolutionize Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem. Supported by the Ministry of IT & Telecom via Ignite – National Technology Fund and managed by a Netsol-led consortium including NASTP, Air University, and PAC Kamra, NICAT is strategically positioned within Pakistan’s defense-tech and frontier-tech landscape.
Since 2022, NICAT has incubated 77 startups, attracted over PKR 1.2 billion in investments, generated more than PKR 3.1 billion in revenues, and created upwards of 20,000 jobs, positioning Pakistan prominently on the global innovation map through international showcases and partnerships.
Cohort 6 emphasizes need-based scouting of high-impact startups addressing national security priorities, private aviation, space technologies, and breakthroughs in deep-tech fields. The focus spans the full aerospace supply chain, advanced manufacturing, and dual-use frontier solutions to bolster local capabilities and access international markets.
NICAT’s fast-paced, bootcamp-driven approach guides startups through sprints covering market validation, compliance, investor readiness, and strategic scaling, customized for aerospace and deep-tech challenges.
Founders benefit from NICAT’s industry integration, gaining access to cutting-edge labs, expert mentorship, regulatory support, and curated investor networks. Program Director Shayan Yar highlights NICAT as a space for ambitious innovators in aerospace, defense, and frontier technologies seeking dedicated entrepreneurial support and system connectivity.
Ignite CEO Adeel Aijaz Shaikh views NICAT as a public-private collaboration exemplifying Pakistan’s rise as a competitive global high-tech player, with Cohort 6 further advancing this mission.
NICAT continues championing diversity and inclusion by encouraging women founders, differently abled entrepreneurs, and innovators from underrepresented regions, providing a safe and gender-inclusive environment.
Applications are open to startups with prototypes, MVPs, or scalable solutions across aerospace, AI, IoT, defense tech, advanced manufacturing, clean-tech, fintech, agri-tech, biotech, and other SDG-aligned deep-tech sectors.
