Ignite National Technology Fund has extended the deadline for firms to submit proposals for the establishment and management of the National Incubation Center (NIC) Sialkot, setting September 9, 2025, as the new closing date.
The evaluation process will be carried out in two stages, with a committee first reviewing technical bids before moving on to the financial proposals of qualified firms. The highest-ranked bidder, determined on the basis of weighted technical and financial scores, will be awarded the contract following negotiations. An official announcement will be made at least two weeks before the contract is finalized.
Under the proposed framework, NIC Sialkot will provide a 12,000 to 14,000 square foot facility, capable of hosting at least 25 startups simultaneously, with provision for additional capacity where required. The center will include conference rooms, a session hall, recreational space, and high-speed internet, while operating on a cohort basis with at least 25 startups inducted annually. 25% of the inducted startups will be women-led, with a particular focus on ventures aligned with Sialkot’s industrial specialties, including sports, surgical, and musical instruments.
Sialkot, ranked as the fourth-largest district economy in Pakistan with a GDP of $13 billion, is globally recognized for its manufacturing strength. The city contributes around $2.5 billion annually in exports, nearly 10% of the country’s total, with sporting goods, surgical instruments, and leather products at the forefront. It produces more than half of the world’s footballs and supplies surgical instruments to international markets, supported by thousands of small and medium enterprises. Global brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Puma have sourced products from Sialkot’s industries.
The NIC Sialkot will be the ninth in the nationwide network of incubation centers established under Ignite in collaboration with the Ministry of IT and Telecom. So far, Ignite has set up centers in Islamabad, provincial capitals, Hyderabad, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi. These facilities provide critical support to startups and entrepreneurs, aiming to boost innovation across diverse sectors, including agriculture, textiles, cement, aerospace, and livestock.