SMIU Business Incubation Centre Graduates First Batch of Entrepreneurs, Awards Rs430,000 in Seed Funding to Four Startups
By Qurban Ali Khushik
KARACHI : The Business Incubation Centre (BIC) of Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) has successfully graduated its first batch of entrepreneurs, awarding a total of Rs430,000 in seed funding to four startups to support their business development and expansion.
The graduation and seed funding award ceremony was held at the university’s Senate Hall under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mujeebuddin Sahrai Memon. Chairman of the Sindh Higher Education Commission (Sindh HEC), Prof. Dr. S. M. Tariq Rafi, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, attended the event as the chief guest.
The milestone reflects SMIU’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and business development. Through its Business Incubation Centre, the university provides students with guidance, mentorship and institutional support to transform their business ideas into viable ventures.
Addressing the ceremony, Prof. Dr. S. M. Tariq Rafi congratulated Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mujeebuddin Sahrai Memon, BIC Manager Shahid Obaid and the mentors on the graduation of the first batch of entrepreneurs. He highlighted the importance of university departments such as the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) and the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC). He added that Sindh HEC was working to organize training programmes and workshops to strengthen the professional capacities of personnel working in these areas.
In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mujeebuddin Sahrai Memon thanked the Higher Education Commission and Sindh HEC for their support in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. He described the graduation of the first batch as a significant achievement for SMIU and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial culture and providing students with opportunities to turn their business ideas into practical, sustainable ventures.
BIC Manager Shahid Obaid delivered a presentation on the centre’s vision and the support it provides to help students develop their business ideas. He highlighted the role of incubation facilities, training and mentorship in preparing aspiring entrepreneurs and helping them achieve their business objectives.
Students graduating from the programme also shared their experiences, acknowledging the guidance and support provided by their mentors and focal persons. Their accounts highlighted the importance of practical training, business idea development and institutional support in building the confidence and capabilities of young entrepreneurs.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the distribution of seed funding among four graduating startups. Agro Saath, represented by Asif Khan, received Rs50,000; Pak Digit Solutions, represented by Umar Farooq, received Rs100,000; Hatch Pak, represented by Saad Khan, received Rs100,000; and Asaan Billing, represented by Waleed bin Naeem, received Rs180,000. The four startups received a combined total of Rs430,000.
The funding is expected to help the selected startups strengthen their business models, capitalize on market opportunities and advance their entrepreneurial ventures.
The ceremony was hosted by Bilal Qadri. At the conclusion, the vice chancellor presented a commemorative shield to Prof. Dr. S. M. Tariq Rafi on behalf of SMIU in recognition of his participation and encouragement of the graduating entrepreneurs.
Located on the sixth floor of the university’s IT Tower, SMIU’s Business Incubation Centre serves as a platform for nurturing business ideas, supporting emerging entrepreneurs and connecting academic knowledge with practical business development.
The graduation of its first batch marks an important step in the university’s ongoing efforts to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship and empower students to pursue their business ambitions.
