NIC Lahore Startups Break Into Silicon Valley – A Historic First for Pakistan

NIC Lahore startup founders at Plug and Play Tech Center in Silicon Valley

In an unprecedented leap for Pakistan’s tech ecosystem, four startups from the National Incubation Center (NIC) Lahore have secured a place at the prestigious Plug and Play Tech Center in Silicon Valley, under the Global Overseas Acceleration & Learning (GOAL) Program — marking the first-ever entry by any NIC cohort into the heart of global innovation.

From Lahore to Silicon Valley: Meet the Trailblazers

These game-changing startups are redefining Pakistan’s role on the global tech map:

• Paymo – The country’s first Gen Z-focused mobile wallet, built for a new era of digital banking.

• Thingsty – A no-code IoT platform powering easy smart device deployment and monitoring.

• Motto Vesta – An IP-protected airbag vest safeguarding motorcyclists with advanced wearable tech.

• Voltshare – A cloud-based EV charging network, connecting drivers to private and commercial electricity sources.

Powered by Ignite, Accelerated by NIC Lahore

This achievement is backed by Ignite – National Technology Fund and the Ministry of IT and Telecom, with NIC Lahore operated by a NETSOL Technologies-led consortium. Partners like HBL, Plug and Play, Daftarkhwan, Beaconhouse National University, UET Lahore, Women Chamber of Commerce, and Accelerate Prosperity (AKDN) have played a pivotal role in empowering this global move.

GOAL Program: Pakistan in the Spotlight

As part of the month-long GOAL Program, these startups are diving into intensive mentorship, high-impact networking, and strategic pitch sessions. The journey will culminate in the Plug and Play Summit, where over 2,500 global corporates, VCs, experts, and government bodies converge. With 565+ Fortune 1000 partners and $9B+ in alumni funding, the stakes — and opportunities — are enormous.

A National Win for Innovation

“This is more than just funding. It’s belief. It’s empowerment,” said Ayub Ghauri, President of NIC Lahore. “Pakistan is no longer an emerging market — we’re a global innovation contender.”

Adeel Aijaz Shaikh, CEO of Ignite, echoed the sentiment: “This milestone showcases the strength of Pakistan’s incubation ecosystem. It’s a proud moment for us all.”

From startup prep and visa facilitation to pitch readiness, NIC Lahore’s comprehensive support made this Silicon Valley debut possible.

What This Means

Pakistan isn’t waiting to be discovered — it’s stepping onto the world stage. The success of these startups is a signal to global investors and innovation hubs: Pakistan’s tech talent is ready to scale, compete, and lead.