Islamabad, August 6th, 2023 – In a bid to accelerate Aerospace and Information Communication Technology (ICT) innovation in Pakistan, the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan officially inaugurated National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) and NICAT: Pakistan’s 🇵🇰 Premier Aerospace and DeepTech  Incubation Center ‘projects of strategic national importance’ enabling Triple Helix Model of Innovation of industry, academia and the government, turning it into a technology ecosystem in the country. A grand NASTP and NICAT Inauguration ceremony was held at NASTP Alpha, Rawalpindi.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu hosted the honorable Prime Minister and Foreign delegates. The esteemed event saw the presence of important dignitaries, including the Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah, Federal Ministers, senior Govt Officials, and Chairman of the board of directors of Baykar, Selçuk Bayraktar, who graced the occasion with their support and encouragement.
Funded by the Government of Pakistan, NICAT’s main objective is to foster innovation in the Aerospace and ICT sectors within the country. The center will serve as a hub for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators, providing them with the necessary resources, mentorship, and infrastructure to nurture their groundbreaking ideas.
NICAT operates as a joint venture between Ignite NTF / Ministry of IT, and the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP). The collaboration is further strengthened by a public-private partnership, led by a consortium of prominent entities, including NetSol Technologies, Air University, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), and Innovators Garage (IG).
During his speech at the inauguration, the Prime Minister expressed his vision for Pakistan’s advancement in the aerospace and ICT domains, emphasizing the importance of nurturing local talent and creating an environment conducive to technological progress.
The NICAT initiative aligns with the country’s strategic goals of strengthening its aerospace capabilities, fostering technological self-sufficiency, and nurturing an entrepreneurial ecosystem. By bringing together government institutions, academia, and private sector players, the center aims to create a thriving ecosystem where ideas can take flight and lead to tangible solutions for the nation’s challenges.
NetSol Technologies, Air University, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), and Innovators Garage (IG) will play pivotal roles in guiding NICAT’s operations and providing expertise and support to the promising startups and entrepreneurs in the program.
With state-of-the-art facilities, access to industry mentors, networking opportunities, and a vibrant ecosystem, NICAT is the ideal Launchpad for startups in Aerospace, Aviation, DeepTech, HighTech Manufacturing and ICT sectors, said Imran Jattala, Project Director, NICAT.
As the country enters a new era of technological advancement and innovation, the National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies represents a significant step towards realizing Pakistan’s potential in the aerospace and ICT sectors, fostering a culture of innovation, and contributing to the nation’s socio-economic growth.
