Hatch 8 is an NSTP pre-incubation programme that accepts entrepreneurs at the idea stage of product development and transforms them into viable businesses over time.
A total of 16 startups graduated from the National Science & Technology Park (NSTP) at the National University of Science & Technology (NUST). The startups include AI–based solutions, sustainable energy solutions, healthcare solutions, and more.
The National Science and Technology Park at NUST held the graduation ceremony for the third cohort of its Hatch 8 programme on the NUST main campus on Thursday. As part of the third cohort, 16 startups based on disruptive ideas graduated.
Hatch 8 is an NSTP pre-incubation programme that accepts entrepreneurs at the idea stage of product development and transforms them into viable businesses over time.
The chief guest, the Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, congratulated the startups on graduating from one of the region’s most robust innovation ecosystems. He praised NUST for developing the game-changing NSTP initiative, which is truly a breeding ground for innovation. He further said that creativity is the solution to each one of our problems, and NSTP is nothing short of a creative powerhouse for innovation.
Dr. Rizwan Riaz, Pro-Rector of RIC, expressed his delight at seeing an increasing number of people stepping forward with their startups, paving the way for their own and society’s betterment. He stated that the NSTP has made international headlines as a result of its outstanding achievements, which is a source of great pride for the entire nation.
“Our startups at NSTP are attracting international investors like Peter Theil and Adam Draper,” he said. He also thanked the Minister of Planning and Development for initially approving the NSTP project.
Throughout the Hatch 8 Programme, entrepreneurs engage in hands-on learning aimed at instilling in them entrepreneurial skills and relevant business acumen, all while nurturing their business ideas.
During the programme, startups receive expert mentorship and coaching. Furthermore, the programme provides a variety of services, including workshops, boot camps, free co-working space, and access to mentors and investor networks.
The programme concludes with a graduation ceremony, during which startups present their businesses to an audience of local and international experts and investors. Following graduation, startups can apply to the NSTP Cube 8 Incubation Program. Since its inception in 2021, the Hatch 8 Program has graduated three cohorts, with ten graduates in the first and sixteen graduates in each of the second and third cohorts.
The Park’s tech startups, for example, cover a wide range of topics, including education technology, health technology, and smart technology. Four of the 16 startups from NSTP , received awards for outstanding achievement in revenue generation, customer base, and socioeconomic impact.
As-Siraat received the Innovator award, with InLights and Gameotivity coming in first and second, respectively. Bendecrete received the top startup award.
Following the graduation ceremony, the Rising Stars Startup Cup, a business competition at NSTP aimed at assisting women and minorities in Pakistan, was launched. The competition will be run in collaboration with the US Embassy, Draper University, and Pak Mission Society as knowledge partners and Pak Mission Society as outreach partners.