Discussion on ‘Incubation and Acceleration Programmes’

Islamabad: A Focus Group Discussion entitled ‘Incubation and Acceleration Programmes in Pakistan: Challenges and Policy Preferences’ was organised at Higher Education Commission (HEC) in collaboration with TechHub Connect, a Project of Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB).

HEC Executive Director Dr. Arshad Ali chaired the session, which aimed to deliberate the Government’s ICT policy, particularly patronisation of the growing concept of Technology Incubators and Accelerators and discuss ways to engage with a broader audience and further explore possibilities of encountering new ideas.

Technology Incubators and Accelerators are widely accepted as a key source of innovation and technology based entrepreneurship as well as commercialisation of research undertaken by academia. They serve as a breeding ground for startups and help them actualise their potential by providing guidance and mentorship.

The participants discussed major challenges being faced by Incubators and Accelerators in Pakistan, and development of partnerships among different incubators and accelerators to develop standardized practices as well as establishing their strong linkage with the universities.

The discussion also included possibility of developing subject-specific incubators and accelerators, ensuring quality of infrastructural, legal and counselling services provided by them, and encouraging international incubators to setup centres in Pakistan.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Arshad Ali assured that all possible support will be provided by the government to maximize potential of Incubators and Accelerators in the country. He briefed the gathering about HEC's initiatives to create a framework and a mechanism to promote innovation and entrepreneurial activities among faculty members, researchers and students that, he said, will ultimately help in creation of job opportunities as well as country’s economic empowerment.

Among others, the session was attended by Adviser HEC Dr. Muhammad Latif, ORIC representatives from universities, HEC Director Noshaba Awais and Assistant Programme Manager, TechHub Connect Syeda Mehak Jamal Zaidi.