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Imran Jattala
Project Director, NICAT | Pakistan’s 🇵🇰 Premier Aerospace ✈️ and DeepTech 🛰️ Incubation Center
Professional Background
Imran Jattala is an esteemed Startup Ecosystem Builder recognized for his outstanding contributions to innovating and enhancing the entrepreneurial landscape in Pakistan and the MENA regions. As a visionary leader, he has been at the forefront of large-scale Corporate Innovation programs aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation across the region. With an impressive track record, Imran has successfully trained over 25,000 entrepreneurs through programs spanning more than 100 universities and incubators. His mentorship has been instrumental for over 600 startup teams, guiding them on their entrepreneurial journeys and helping to raise over $5 million in investments.
As the founder of the National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies (NICAT), Imran emphasizes the importance of collaboration between public institutions and private enterprises. NICAT is a stellar joint venture involving Ignite NTF, the Ministry of IT, and the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP). His commitment to advancing innovation is further exemplified by his role as an Adjunct Professor of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Air University in Islamabad, where he nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
Imran is a dynamic global innovation leader who has truly made his mark in the field of education and entrepreneurship. He designed and established Pakistan’s first Social Creative Incubation Program in partnership with the British Council and Cranfield University in the UK. This groundbreaking initiative was pivotal in fostering creativity and social impact among budding entrepreneurs in the region. His efforts also involved building one of the largest innovation programs in Pakistan, spanning across seven university campuses, which played a significant role in cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit among students and young professionals.
His entrepreneurial journey started early; in 2007, he launched his first startup, achieving an impressive exit of $100,000. A decade later, his dedication was further recognized when he received an MBA scholarship from the prestigious Hult International Business School in 2015. Imran's academic achievements have positioned him as a thought leader in disruptive innovation and global strategy. Furthermore, he is proud to have been the youngest University Director in Pakistan, holding the post at Lahore Garrison University from 2020 to 2021.
Education and Achievements
Imran’s educational background includes an MBA with a focus on Disruptive Innovation and Global Strategy from Hult International Business School, as well as a certificate in Digital Money and Digital Finance from The Fletcher School at Tufts University. He also holds a BE in Electronics, Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Air University, which laid the foundation for his technical skills and understanding in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
Imran has been recognized for founding the Pakistan chapter of the Hult Prize, a prestigious global competition that seeks to encourage social entrepreneurship and innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. The initiative was honored by President Bill Clinton and TIME Magazine as one of the top five ideas changing the world, underscoring Imran's impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
As a prolific speaker and writer, Imran has delivered inspiring TEDx talks and authored insightful articles covering design thinking and business model innovation. He is also in the process of releasing his book, "Innovate Faster," which reflects his passion for enabling individuals and organizations to accelerate their innovation processes.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Imran Jattala has accomplished notable milestones that reflect his status as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. His collaborative initiatives have equipped thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the competitive startup ecosystem. With a proven leadership style, he has cultivated environments where innovation can flourish and be translated into tangible business outcomes.
His role as an expert with the UNIDO/USAID SME Accelerator demonstrates his commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, providing them with the tools they need for growth and sustainability. As the Regional Director for the Startup World Cup in Pakistan, he plays a vital role in connecting local startups with global investors, further enhancing the prospects for entrepreneurial success in the region.
Imran’s dedication to solving complex societal problems through human-centric design embodies his philosophy of “For Good For Profit” business models. He is passionate about using entrepreneurship as a means to address global social and economic challenges. His entrepreneurial spirit and innovation-driven mindset make him a changemaker who believes in lifelong learning and the power of collaboration.
Imran is not only committed to fostering innovation within the startup ecosystem but is also keen on giving back to the community. His relentless optimism and curiosity motivate him to continue exploring new avenues for positive change. With an enviable combination of experience, education, and entrepreneurial success, Imran Jattala stands out as a remarkable figure in the realm of startup innovation, serving as a beacon of inspiration for current and future entrepreneurs.