About & visit NICAT

Engineering the future
from Pakistan.

National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies (NICAT) is a purpose-built innovation platform for founders building in aerospace, defence, artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing and other high-impact deep-tech sectors.

We support ambitious teams solving complex, real-world challenges — helping them transform technical potential into market-ready, scalable startups.

More than an incubator, NICAT brings together structured startup support, technical infrastructure, expert mentorship, institutional access and industry connections in one focused ecosystem.

Apply to NICAT Explore the programme
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visiting the NICAT stand at an exhibition, viewing a startup's drone
PART ONE

Who we are

What NICAT is built for, our mission and the team behind it.

Why we exist

Built for startups
that are hard to build.

Deep-tech startups need more than a desk, a pitch deck and a networking event. They need an environment that understands technical validation, long development cycles, hardware requirements, regulated markets and strategic partnerships.

At NICAT, founders gain access to:

01

A milestone-driven incubation programme built for technical and commercial progress.

02

R&D facilities and collaborative workspaces for prototyping and product development.

03

Domain experts across aerospace, AI, robotics, policy, commercial strategy and investment.

04

Industry, government and institutional linkages that create real routes to deployment.

05

A high-calibre founder community built around shared ambition and technical excellence.

06

Opportunities for international exposure, specialised delegations and global networks.

Our mission

To enable Pakistan's next generation of high-impact technology startups — capable of strengthening national capability, creating meaningful economic value and competing on a global stage.

Leadership & team

The people
behind NICAT.

NICAT is led by a multidisciplinary team of ecosystem builders, programme specialists, technical experts and industry partners committed to helping deep-tech founders succeed.

Our team brings experience across startup building, aerospace, technology, innovation policy, commercialisation, communications and startup growth — giving founders practical support at every stage of their journey.

Jawad Azfar
Jawad Azfar
Principal Advisor
Shayan Yar
Shayan Yar
Program Director
Abid Gul
Abid Gul
Program Manager
Ali Khursheed
Ali Khursheed
Startup Success Manager
Saad Tariq
Saad Tariq
Legal Advisor
Zujajah Khalid Butt
Zujajah Khalid Butt
Marketing, PR & Communications Manager
Lybah Tariq
Lybah Tariq
Assistant Events & Comms
Taha
Taha
Assistant Marketing Manager
Asma Aslam
Asma Aslam
Startup Growth Specialist
Irshad Niazi
Irshad Niazi
Finance Assistant
Maryam Malik
Maryam Malik
Community Builder
Shahzaib Liaquat
Shahzaib Liaquat
IT Consultant
Hamza Paracha
Hamza Paracha
Office Assistant Operations
Ayesha Nasir
Ayesha Nasir
NICAT Intelligence
Yasir Niazi
Yasir Niazi
Office Assistant Labs

Supported by an extended network

Beyond the core team, NICAT founders benefit from a wider network of mentors, technical advisors, investors, corporate leaders, researchers and institutional stakeholders. Together, they bring the insight, access and domain expertise required to build startups for demanding markets.

Meet our mentors
PART TWO

Visit NICAT

Come and see the ecosystem in person.

Visit us

Experience the
ecosystem in person.

Whether you are a founder exploring the programme, an industry leader seeking innovation partnerships, an investor looking to meet ambitious startups, or an institution interested in collaboration, we welcome you to visit NICAT.

What to expect. During your visit you can explore our collaborative workspace, learn about our incubation model, meet the team and understand how NICAT supports founders from validation to growth.

Location

NASTP Alpha, Rawalpindi

NASTP Alpha, Old Airport Road, Chaklala Cantt, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Visiting hours

Monday to Friday

11:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Programme inquiries

Joining a future cohort?

Explore the programme or submit an application. Every application goes through NICAT's structured evaluation process.

Partnerships & collaboration

Work with NICAT

Connect with our team to discuss pilots, research collaboration, corporate innovation, technical support or ecosystem partnerships.

Get in touch

Come and see
what's being built.

Founders, partners, investors and institutions are all welcome. Tell us what you're interested in and we'll arrange the right conversation.

Contact us Apply now