IBA CED launches Sindh Acceleration Program to strengthen startup ecosystem

The IBA Centre for Entrepreneurial Development (IBA CED), in partnership with the Sindh Enterprise Development Fund (SEDF) and Sapphire Consulting Services, officially inaugurated the Sindh Acceleration Program (SAP) at IBA City Campus in Karachi. According to a statement on Thursday, SAP represents a major step toward building a stronger, innovation-driven, and inclusive startup ecosystem in Sindh. The program was inaugurated by Syed Qassim Naveed Qamar, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister, Government of Sindh, alongside Raja Khurram Shahzad Umer, Secretary Investment, Government of Sindh. In her welcome address, Dr Lalarukh Ejaz, Director IBA CED, reaffirmed IBA CED’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through mentorship, training, and institutional support for high-potential startups. She also acknowledged the continued collaboration and support of the Government of Sindh, SEDF, and Sapphire Consulting Services in enabling impactful entrepreneurial initiatives. Pakistani co-founded AI startup Cursor draws $60bn buyout option from SpaceX Addressing the participants, Syed Qassim Naveed Qamar reiterated his government’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and enabling startups to transform potential into progress through access to resources, mentorship, and institutional facilitation. Meanwhile, speaking at the occasion, Raja Khurram Shahzad Umer shared the Sindh government’s vision to continue creating entrepreneurial opportunities for the youth and startup community of the province. He described entrepreneurship as a mindset, encouraging founders to think boldly and build fearlessly. Khizer Pervaiz, CEO of SEDF, highlighted the organisation’s continued efforts in enterprise development and acknowledged IBA CED as a key partner in supporting startups across Sindh. During the ceremony, laptops were also distributed among the participating startups.

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