Pakistan to Open 47 New Co-Working Spaces for Startups

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) plans to set up 47 new co-working spaces across Pakistan this year. The goal is to support startups and freelancers with shared workspaces and networking opportunities.

Last year, the ministry met its goal of building 40 co-working spaces nationwide. The long-term plan is to expand the total to 250 centers by February 2027.

The Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) is leading this project. It has invited public and private organizations to help establish NCSP centers under the Prime Minister’s Initiatives for IT Startups, Specialized IT Training, and Venture Capital support. These centers will offer shared facilities, internet access, and mentorship for freelancers and entrepreneurs.

Interested organizations can apply for interest-free loans of up to Rs. 10 million through partner banks. Applications must be submitted online through the EPADS portal by November 3, 2025.

e-Rozgar Rebranded

The ministry has renamed the e-Rozgar Centers project to the National Co-working Spaces Project (NCSP). This change was made to avoid confusion with a similar project run by the Punjab government.

Unlike Punjab’s e-Rozgar Centers, NCSP works under a public-private partnership model. The government will cover half of the trainers’ cost, and the private sector will pay the rest. Trainers will guide freelancers and startups, helping them collaborate and share ideas.

These centers will serve as innovation hubs where people with different skills can network, learn, and create new businesses.

City-wise Development Plan

The ministry plans to build different types of co-working centers based on each area’s needs.

In major cities, large centers will cover about 3,500 square feet and have at least 100 seats.
In smaller cities, the focus will be on raising awareness, improving skills, and mentoring startups to help them grow.

Project Goals

The National Co-working Spaces Project aims to:

Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship
Connect local talent with digital opportunities
Support freelancers and startups in building sustainable businesses
Promote inclusion and collaboration across Pakistan

Each center will help individuals overcome challenges, build skills, and contribute to Pakistan’s growing digital economy.

FAQs

1. What is the main goal of the NCSP project?

The project aims to support freelancers and startups by providing shared workspaces, training, and networking opportunities.

2. How many centers will be built under NCSP?

The ministry plans to build 47 new centers this year and expand to 250 by 2027.

3. Who can apply to set up an NCSP center?

Both public and private organizations can apply to partner with the government.

4. What kind of financial support is available?

Eligible entities can get interest-free loans of up to Rs. 10 million through partner banks.

5. When is the application deadline?

All applications must be submitted online through the EPADS portal by November 3, 2025.

Pakistan to Open 47 New Co-Working Hubs for Startups and Freelancers