Inspired by the timeless spirit of discovery that has driven history’s most transformative scientific breakthroughs, Cohort 7 positions NICAT as a launchpad for modern-day pioneers; innovators who challenge convention, push technical boundaries, and build solutions for complex, highimpact problems.
Backed by the Ministry of IT & Telecom through Ignite – National Technology Fund, and managed by a NETSOL-led consortium comprising NASTP, Air University, and PAC Kamra, NICAT operates at the core of Pakistan’s aerospace, defense, and frontier-technology ecosystem.
Since its inception in 2022, NICAT has incubated 97 startups, facilitated PKR 3.5 billion+ in investments, enabled PKR 5.6 billion+ in revenues, and contributed to the creation of 26,000+ jobs, while representing Pakistan at international technology forums, innovation showcases, and global industry platforms.
Cohort 7 is designed for teams working at the intersection of aerospace and aviation systems, space and satellite technologies, autonomous and unmanned platforms, robotics and intelligent systems, AI-driven sensing and analytics, cybersecurity and secure communications, defense and dual-use technologies, advanced manufacturing, materials and propulsion systems, simulation, digital twins, embedded systems, and other deeptech solutions aligned with national capability building and global markets. Rather than broad experimentation, the cohort emphasizes technical depth, real-world applicability, and pathways to deployment.
NICAT’s bootcamp-driven, founder-first model enables startups to move rapidly through structured sprints focused on problem validation, industry integration, regulatory and compliance readiness, investor preparedness, and scalable growth, tailored specifically for the demands of aerospace and frontier technologies. Founders work closely with domain experts and industry stakeholders to refine both technology and execution.
From prototype to pilot and scale-up, NICAT provides startups access to state-of-the-art labs and testing facilities, specialized technical mentorship, regulatory guidance, and curated investor and global linkage opportunities, ensuring that innovation is grounded in real operational and market demand.
“NICAT was built for founders who are serious about solving hard problems,” said Shayan Yar, Project Director at NICAT. “As the Cohort 7 deadline approaches, we’re looking for teams with strong technical foundations and the discipline to translate ambitious ideas into deployable solutions.”
“Cohort 7 reflects NICAT’s continued shift toward depth, focus, and execution,” said Abid Gul Qazi, Program Manager at NICAT. “We’re seeking founders who understand the complexity of aerospace and deep-tech systems and are ready to build with intent, rigor, and long-term vision.”
NICAT remains committed to providing a professional, safe, and inclusive environment, with a strong focus on merit, technical capability, and founder readiness.
Applications are open to startup founders, researchers, and technologists with prototypes, MVPs, or ready-to-scale solutions operating across aerospace, deep-tech, and frontiertechnology domains.
Applications for NICAT Cohort 7 are closing soon:
