Islamabad:- in collaboration with researchers from INSEAD Business School, proudly celebrated the Graduation Day of the XSEED Incubation Program, a first-of-its-kind transformative initiative that empowered 336 startups across Pakistan. This milestone marks the culmination of a year-long journey where startups participated in a rigorous 3-month training program, with 160 successfully graduating after reaching significant entrepreneurial milestones.
The Graduation Day event brought together key leaders, industry experts, mentors and visionary founders to honor the achievements of the graduating startups. It was a day to celebrate innovation, resilience and the remarkable contributions these entrepreneurs are making to Pakistan's startup ecosystem. Many of the graduating startups were incubated at NIC Karachi and NIC Hyderabad centers further highlighting the role of these centers enabled by MOITT in advancing entrepreneurial growth.
Designed by INSEAD's world-renowned faculty, the XSEED curriculum emphasized advanced strategies, structured decision-making and innovation to help startups overcome challenges and build sustainable businesses. The program's commitment to inclusivity was reflected in the 54 women-led startups—comprising nearly 25% of the cohort—that are breaking barriers and driving innovation across diverse industries.
Spanning sectors such as education (15%), e-commerce (14.7%), healthcare (10.6%), waste management (3.7%), and others, the startups represent the program's far-reaching impact on the country's entrepreneurial landscape.
Dr. Chiara Spina, Assistant Professor at INSEAD and Founder of the XSEED Program, remarked:
"I am proud to have seen the transformation of the start-ups participating in XSEED. These entrepreneurs have demonstrated remarkable discipline in leveraging customer feedback and empirical evidence to drive their strategic evolution. The growth trajectory and market traction of the companies that took part in XSEED is exceptional, establishing a foundation for enterprises that will scale meaningfully, address critical societal challenges, and generate substantial economic value within local communities. This impact would not have been possible without the support of LMKT and NIC Karachi- a partnership that has been instrumental in creating the perfect environment for our research-informed methodology to thrive."
As the operator of Pakistan's largest incubation footprint, LMKT has been instrumental in supporting startups through its extensive expertise in tech incubation, smart cities, agri-tech and clean technology. Speaking on the occasion, Asim Ishaq Khan, VP at LMKT, stated: "LMKT is deeply committed to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Pakistan. Through XSEED, we have not only empowered startups but also strengthened the foundation of innovation and collaboration in the country. Today is a celebration of what we have achieved together, and what lies ahead."
The Graduation Day event also recognized the contributions of the program's 8 expert coaches, INSEAD professors, and industry mentors, whose hands-on guidance was pivotal to the success of the startups. Their dedication, coupled with LMKT's unmatched experience in fostering ecosystems, has made XSEED a resounding success. The event was well received by distinguished guests from organisations including Yunus Brothers Group, Orbit Startups, Katalyst Labs, TPL Maps, Government of Sindh and more.
This is just the beginning of the XSEED journey. LMKT and researchers from INSEAD remain committed to supporting the growth and success of these startups through post-graduation mentoring, events, and tailored guidance.
To the graduating startups, this milestone is a launching pad for innovation and impact. Here's to a brighter future shaped by their vision and perseverance.
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