Pakistan: 1 Million Freelancers are expected in February 2018
As the world is facing the fusion of technologies that are blurring the lines between the physical, digital and biological spheres, need for the well-planned future is also making its way through the nations especially those developing ones.
Pakistan is well aware of the challenges it would be facing with the arrival of 4th Industrial Revolution, and the authorities are preparing to enable it to meet the expected challenges.
In a bid to prepare Pakistan for the expected challenges the Board of Directors of Ignite – National Technology Fund -that was formerly known as National ICT R&D Fund- has approved ” DigiSkills” initiative.
With this approval training of one million youth is aimed. The project is aimed at the promotion of excellence in technology, innovation and work ethic.
The approval basis upon the expectation of building a workforce for a future that is driven by the 4th Industrial Revolution.
The decision was made at a meeting chaired by Anusha Rahman the state minister for IT and Telecom.
CEO Ignite Yusuf Hussain was also present at the meeting.
The Minister mentioned the yearly production of a huge number of graduates at the educational institutions of the country.
She said that more than 20,000 IT graduates and engineers are being produced annually in Pakistan.
She also added that it’s time to prepare our workforce for new technologies in line with growing trends of freelancing and entrepreneurship.
Board did apprise the 1st Cohort that comprised 21 startups of National Incubation Center Islamabad and started on March 20, 2017, and graduated in August 2017.
Two startups out of the above mentioned were ranked among the Top 10 startups of 4YFN Barcelona, Spain.
Now, National Incubation Center Islamabad has inducted its 2nd Cohort. This cohort comprises of 26 Startups and has been started from September 15.
Graduates of the 2nd Cohort are expected in February 2018.
CEO Ignite Mr. Yusuf Hussain also apprised the Board that after the due deliberation and negotiations, LMKT and LUMS have signed a contract agreement for National Incubation Center at Peshawar and Lahore.
Board has also approved the re-bidding of National Incubation Karachi. Bidders opted out of the plan there.
Mr.Rizwan Bashir Khan Federal secretary IT, Mudasar Hussain Member Telecom, CEO Ignite and other board members also attended the meeting.
