Enabling you to unleash your Entrepreneurial capabilities
SSKIC Cohort 6 – SHIFT UP Incubation Flagship Program
About the Program
The Shahjehan S. Karim Incubation Center (SSKIC) at the Institute of Business Management (IoBM) proudly announces SSKIC Cohort 6 – SHIFT UP Incubation Flagship Program, a transformative incubation platform designed to empower aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs with the mentorship, resources, networks, and support required to transform innovative ideas into scalable and sustainable ventures.
SHIFT UP is designed to support founders and entrepreneurial teams working on innovative solutions across diverse sectors, including:
- AI Tech
- EdTech
- Climate Tech
- Health Tech
- Other technology-enabled and high-impact domains
Through structured incubation, mentorship, entrepreneurial guidance, networking opportunities, and investor-readiness support, SSKIC aims to help startups validate their ideas, strengthen their business models, develop market-ready solutions, and prepare for the next stage of growth.
Participants will gain access to an entrepreneurial ecosystem that encourages innovation, collaboration, sustainability, resilience, and business growth, while providing opportunities to connect with industry professionals, mentors, investors, and the broader startup community.
With its commitment to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs, SSKIC Cohort 6 – SHIFT UP aims to equip promising founders with the capabilities, connections, and confidence required to take their ventures to the next level.
Application Deadline
Applications close on November 15, 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
The SSKIC Cohort 6 – SHIFT UP Incubation Flagship Program welcomes applications from aspiring entrepreneurs, startup founders, and innovative teams who are ready to develop and grow their ventures. Eligible applicants include:
- Founders can be dual nationals.
- Students, alumni, professionals, and entrepreneurs can apply.
- Startups must have a team of at least two members.
- Startups that have already achieved early traction, of any amount, are encouraged to apply.
- Technology-enabled ideas and ventures are preferred.
- Submission of a pitch deck is mandatory.
How to Apply
To apply for SSKIC Cohort 6 – SHIFT UP, applicants are required to complete the online application form and provide accurate information about their startup, team, business model, market opportunity, and proposed solution.
Applicants must also submit their pitch deck as part of the application process.
All applications must be submitted before the stated deadline. Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all information and supporting material are complete and accurate before submitting the form.
Following the initial screening process, shortlisted startups will be invited to participate in the final pitching round.
Selection & Final Pitching Round
The application process will involve an initial screening of submitted applications and pitch decks. The top 40 startups will be invited to the final pitching round.
Shortlisted founders will have the opportunity to present their ventures before the relevant selection panel and demonstrate their:
- Problem–solution fit
- Innovation and uniqueness
- Business model
- Market potential
- Scalability
- Team capability
- Early traction and/or validation
- Technology enablement
- Growth potential
Final selection will be based on the overall evaluation of the startup and its potential for growth and impact.
What Selected Startups Receive
Startups selected for SSKIC Cohort 6 – SHIFT UP will receive:
- PKR 100,000 per selected startup
- Structured incubation support
- Mentorship and entrepreneurial guidance
- Networking opportunities
- Exposure to industry professionals and the startup ecosystem
- Opportunities to connect with relevant stakeholders and potential investors
- Support in strengthening business models and startup readiness
The program is designed to provide selected startups with the ecosystem, guidance, and exposure required to move from idea and early traction toward sustainable growth.
FAQs
Yes, you can apply if you are residing in Pakistan and are registered with an HEC-recognized university.
Two and above, with a maximum of four members.
The funds will be disbursed in installments. The schedule of disbursement will be aligned with the milestones achieved and will be developed at the start of the project.
No. Only one proposal can be submitted by one team.
If you are receiving a grant after winning the challenge, it is mandatory that you attend our Incubation Center for the duration of the grant. That said, each situation will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and an applicant may be declared ineligible depending upon the individual’s circumstances.
We discourage re-submissions. However, we may consider them under special circumstances. In that case, please send your request to sskic@iobm.edu.pk.
Yes, if they are from universities recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
The project timeline and schedule will be shared after the final selection and at the start of the project.
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