Islamabad: Pakistan has launched the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) to create high-tech jobs, drive innovation, bolster aerospace and ICT sectors, and drive socio-economic growth.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the aerospace tech centre and National Incubation Centre for Aerospace Technologies (NICAT) at the NASTP Alpha in Rawalpindi. Pakistan’s top military leaders, including Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, attended the event.
Encouraging youth entrepreneurship
During the inauguration, the prime minister emphasised the NASTP’s “national and strategic significance,” anticipating multi-dimensional benefits.
He stated that the project would drive technological progress, enhance self-reliance, and serve as a platform for youth and future generations. Sharif also highlighted the project’s potential to develop local talent and accelerate the nation’s economy. The project features advanced design, innovation, and research centers, offering prospects for foreign investment. “NASTP is a highly promising project that will leverage the collective wisdom and would contribute to kick-starting Pakistan’s economy to bring it on a fast track toward progression” he added.
Pakistan’s premier aerospace and deep tech incubation center embraces the Triple Helix Model of Innovation, fostering a dynamic technology ecosystem by uniting industry, academia, and government.
High-tech jobs
NICAT is on a mission to create thousands of jobs within 5 years. Imran Jattala, the project director of NICAT, told Gulf News that through a meticulous biannual selection process, they select startups that hold immense potential. “Over the course of a year-long residency, we provide intensive mentorship, domain-specific training, and valuable industry exposure to foster the maturation of ideas, making them attractive for investments”.
In its inaugural March 2023 intake, NICAT inducted 27 startups working in aerospace, deep tech, health tech, and travel tech domains. “This collective effort resulted in an impressive PKR 186 million revenue, more than 239 jobs, and committed investments totaling PKR 65 million,” Jattala said. Five of these startups are led by women entrepreneurs. The next cohort is scheduled for September 1, 2023, focusing on driving job creation and innovation.
NICAT
Funded by the Government of Pakistan, NICAT nurtures aerospace and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) startups with resources, mentorship, and infrastructure. A collaboration between Ignite National Technology Fund, Ministry of IT, NASTP, and a public-private consortium including NetSol Technologies, Air University, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), and Innovators Garage (IG), NICAT aims to strengthen tech entrepreneurial culture.
Imran Jattala highlighted the potential of NICAT’s state-of-the-art facilities in “contributing towards high-tech manufacturing, jobs creation, tech investments, technology spinoffs, spillovers and creation of aerospace startup ecosystem.” Drawing inspiration from Vietnam’s economic leap, NICAT aspires to propel job growth, and high-tech exports in Pakistan, he added.
Baykar Tech collaborated with NASTP
Leading Turkish tech and defence company Baykar also participated in Pakistan’s aerospace tech park inauguration on August 4. Baykar Technology signed a cooperation agreement with NASTP for joint research and development (R&D) initiatives within the park.
The agreement was signed by Baykar’s chairman and chief technology officer (CTO) Selcuk Bayraktar, and Air Marshal Ghulam Abbas Ghumman, who is leading NASTP. The collaboration is expected to boost Pakistan’s aerospace and technology capabilities and deepens the strategic partnership between Pakistani and Turkish tech and defense firms.
At the ceremony, the group photos were taken in front of the advanced Bayraktar Akinci unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) from the Pakistan Air Force inventory.
