13 startup incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces in Pakistan

Attitudes towards entrepreneurship have changed drastically in Pakistan in the past few years, partly fueled by the success of startups in the region as well as broadening access to the internet.

Just a couple of years ago, budding entrepreneurs in Pakistan would have found it difficult to gain access to mentors, business training, and investors due to the lack of interest in encouraging disruptive startups. Now, however, the landscape has changed and startup founders have a choice when determining which incubator to reach out to.

In no particular order, here are some incubators and accelerators making an impact in Pakistan.

1. Plan9

Based in Lahore, Plan9 initially started in mid-2012 as part of an initiative of the local provincial government. Since then it has incubated over 60 startups. Plan9 requires all companies to undergo a rigorous three-month program in which it provides them with free office space, consultancy, and mentoring. It does not take any equity.

2. The Nest i/o

Launched early 2015, The Nest i/o is a technology incubator associated with the Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA). It has received funding from Google, Samsung, and the US State Department.

Located in the coastal city of Karachi, the incubator is currently mentoring its second batch of startups. It also provides free office space and mentorship, while not taking any equity.

3. LUMS Center for Entrepreneurship

The LUMS Center for Entrepreneurship is a tech incubator associated with the Lahore University of Management Sciences – arguably Pakistan’s most successful private sector university. Also located in Lahore, the incubator has a four-month program where it provides free office space and counseling.

It does take a small equity percentage for each startup accepted into the program, ostensibly to compensate for the monthly stipend it disburses to each venture.

4. i2i

Located in the scenic capital city of Islamabad, i2i is an accelerator for early and mid-stage companies looking to make a social impact. The program is spread over four months but does not require the startups to be present in-house, with the option of working remotely.

It features a total of six in-person sessions spread across various cities in Pakistan. The accelerator takes equity from each startup accepted into the program, in the range of 1.5 to 3 percent.

5. PlanX

PlanX is an accelerator based in Lahore that was designed to complement its sister incubator, Plan9. The program is slightly longer, at six months, but also provides free office space and consulting without taking equity.

6. Microsoft Innovation Center

7. Technology Incubation Center

8. DotZero

9. Basecamp

10. Founder Institute

11. Nspire

12. Tech Incubator

13. WeCreate Pakistan