The National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies (NICAT) hosted its highly anticipated Leadership Day, formally welcoming the startups of Cohort-4. This event marked the beginning of an exciting journey for some of the most promising innovators in Pakistan’s tech ecosystem. The day was structured to provide these startups with key insights from industry leaders, alongside a workshop on leadership and team building to equip them for future challenges.
The event opened with an introduction from Noor ul Huda, Head of Marketing at NICAT, who set the tone by highlighting NICAT’s role as a catalyst for innovation and leadership in the aerospace and technology sectors.
AVM Asad Ikram, Principal Advisor at NICAT, delivered a warm Welcome Note, emphasizing NICAT’s commitment to fostering a robust ecosystem for startups. He encouraged the new cohort to capitalize on the resources available at NICAT, urging them to not only aim for success but to actively contribute to the country’s technological advancement.
This was followed by a Welcome Note from Ayub Ghauri, President of NICAT, who acknowledged the immense potential of the startups, stating, “You are the future of technology in Pakistan. We are here to support you, guide you, and help you scale your innovations to new heights.”
The event’s Keynote Addresses were led by distinguished speakers who provided actionable insights for the startups , AVM Liaquat Ullah Iqbal, CEO of NASTP, shared his insights highlighting the growing aerospace ecosystem in Pakistan and the role NASTP (National Aerospace Science and Technology Park) plays in fostering innovation in the sector.
Mansoor underscored NIC’s impact, citing PKR 17.6 billion in revenue generated by startups, including success stories like Bykea, which emerged from NIC’s supportive environment.
The highlight of the day was the Leadership and Team Building Workshop conducted by Kamran Z. Rizvi, Co-Founder of Carnelian and the School of Leadership (SoL). His session encouraged participants to reflect on the deeper aspects of leadership, starting with the a quotation, “Brain is a terrible master.” Followed by the points to remember “Who are you?”, “Follower vs Leader”. Rizvi explored how effective leadership is built on a foundation of faith, hope, dreams, and vision, which are translated into actionable goals, objectives, targets, and tasks.
Kamran Z.Rizvi outlined nine essential backbones of leadership are Faith, Hope, Dreams, Vision, Goals, Objectives, Targets, Tasks and subtasks, Activities aligned with strategic goals. He concluded the workshop with four key takeaways for leadership success: Practical, Possible, Relevant, and Realistic—urging the cohort to integrate these principles into their entrepreneurial journey. The event concluded with a Networking Tea, providing startups with an opportunity to engage with industry experts, mentors, and potential investors in an informal setting, helping them establish connections crucial for their growth.
NICAT’s Cohort-4 is comprised of diverse and high-potential startups, each bringing forward innovative solutions across various industries, Homstels, Simplifying the search for student and young professional accommodation by connecting them with verified rental options. Tech Valley: A leading provider of software and hardware solutions for both government and private sectors, operational since 2012.
Aeroinfinite Systems, Enhancing aerospace technology with innovations aimed at improving aircraft fuel efficiency.
Power Sodium Inc.: Pioneering advancements in energy storage by developing sustainable battery solutions beyond lithium. WAYFI, Revolutionizing navigation systems with cutting-edge technology. Aero Nauts, Transforming aerial displays and enhancing surveillance and farming efficiency through drone swarm technology. Waste Hero, A social enterprise gamifying waste management to promote sustainability. 2Insects, Converting organic waste into valuable resources, offering sustainable waste management solutions. The Boosters, Innovating aerial advertising through the use of blimps. Aircraft Engine Parts Coatings, Employing advanced coating techniques to enhance engine part durability and fuel efficiency, while reducing corrosion and pollution. Mach Alpha, An aerospace design company creating affordable drone light shows. RD, Rescue Drone: Innovating drone technology for emergency rescue operations. Global Defense Insight, A premier defense publication and marketing firm dedicated to defense and security sectors. Confinality, Transforming call center solutions using AI-driven agents to optimize profitability.
Leadership Day was a testament to NICAT’s dedication to nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. As these startups embark on their journey, NICAT remains committed to providing the support, resources, and networks necessary to ensure their success in both local and global markets.
Sub Editor: Ghufran