The government has formally started implementation of “Telecom Policy 2015” and given a green signal today for the establishment of “Tech City”, Pakistan’s National Incubation Center for startups and young graduates.
In this regard, the 42nd Board of Director’s meeting of ICT R&D fund Company held on Monday, chaired by the Minister of State for IT& Telecom Ms. Anusha Rahman.
The minister informed the meeting that it is need of the time that young IT graduates are encouraged for entrepreneurship by providing them a conducive environment to begin and flourish their own IT businesses.
She directed CEO ICT R&D Fund Company to come up with a comprehensive proposal, for establishment of a “National Incubation project” in the next board meeting.
Minister said that government is pursuing three pronged strategy for ICT development throughout the country which includes provision of subsidies for laying fiber optics and broadband proliferation (especially in un-served/underserved areas), Infrastructure development and technical training. “So we are simultaneously working on all these three components”, said Anusha Rehman.
Chairman PTA Dr. Ismail Shah, MD PSEB Asim Sheryar, CEO ICT R&D fund Syed Muhammad Asif Rumi and other board members were also present in the meeting.
It merits mentioning here that ICT R&D Fund has already floated an advertisement for “Proposal of Interests” from relevant professionals/agencies for setting up of “Tech City”.
The government in the telecom policy had announced that the National ICT R&D Fund will be used for
- The development and deployment of applications and relevant content associated with government developmental goals and WSIS Action Lines to be delivered over telecommunications networks including via smart phones, tablets and through Telecentres;
- The development of Intellectual Property in ICT, particularly in telecommunications working in conjunction with the international research and development community.
The Fund, according to the new policy, will be utilized for demand and output driven research and development. Moreover, Fund will ensure that eco-system, applications and content that will get developed under its oversight will be equally relevant for many other developing countries.
The Fund will facilitate promotion of ICT start-ups, incubators, technology acceleration programmes as well as Human Resource Development.
