PITB’s technology incubators launch across Punjab

News Desk: Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) has announced the launch of Regional Plan9, a network of incubators for technology startups across the region of Punjab.

Regional Plan9 aims to inculcate a technology-driven entrepreneurial mindset across the province that will be the key to expanding and strengthening the startup ecosystem.

Based on a ZERO EQUITY MODEL, Regional Plan9 centers will offer the following services to the inducted startups:

• Free office space
• Monthly stipend
• Networking opportunities
• Mentorship
• Trainings and workshops

Each service is tailored and targeted to enable, support, and sustain the startups to transform their idea into a functional product/service. The project is a reflection and result of the Government of Punjab’s commitment to promote business activity and encourage growth in the startup space.

Regional Plan9 will reflect the agenda of PITB’s entrepreneurship wing by attracting and supporting exceptional startups. Partnering with public sector universities, Regional Plan9 will be opening 9 incubation centers in Lahore, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Sahiwal, and Sargodha.

Regional Plan9 will be holding it’s flagship event “The Launchpad” to induct startups using an eligibility criteria and a judicious selection process that involves input by domain experts. The Launchpad brings together industry professionals, mentors, and academia. It offers networking opportunities and workshops, offering a whole host of activities directed at facilitating prospective entrepreneurs to be a part of the program.

The centers situated at Lahore, Sargodha, Bahawalpur and Lahore will commence operations in the month of April 2021. Interested startups are strongly encouraged to apply and avail the chance to be incubated at Regional Plan9.

Lahore Center: Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design

Bahawalpur Center: Islamia University Bahawalpur

Sargodha Center: University of Sargodha

The application form can be accessed at tinyurl.com/RP9Launchpad.

By harnessing the collective power of technology and entrepreneurship, the project is geared towards empowering through the provision of equitable access to entrepreneurial opportunities across Punjab.