The future of Pakistan's creative economy is no longer a vision, it's a reality. In a landmark collaboration, Ignite National Technology Fund, under the Ministry of IT & Telecom and HUM Network today officially signed the establishment of the Center of Excellence in Gaming & Animation (CEGA), an initiative designed to transform the nation's immense creative talent into a global force. This hub will serve as the engine for Pakistan's digital future, empowering a new generation of developers, animators, and entrepreneurs.
CEGA is designed to nurture an environment where innovative ideas can evolve into thriving ventures. The center will achieve this through several key pillars:
CEGA will nurture an ecosystem where ideas can evolve into thriving ventures through key pillars. A total of 200 startups will be incubated over five years, offering founders mentorship, funding, and market exposure. 10,000 individuals will be trained in cutting-edge gaming, animation, and interactive content skills through specialized courses and workshops. Additionally, a state-of-the-art co-working space with 100 free seats will serve as a collaborative hub for Pakistan’s brightest creative minds.
The contract signing ceremony was held at Ministry of IT & Telecom, attended by Federal Minister for IT & Telecom Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, officials from Ministry of IT & Telecom, Ignite leadership, HUM Network Limited representatives, and other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for IT & Telecom stated, “Under the Prime Minister’s vision of a Digital Nation, the Government is committed to nurturing Pakistan’s technology and creative industries, and the Center of Excellence in Gaming and Animation is a major step forward.This initiative will equip our youth with world-class skills, strengthen the gaming and animation ecosystem, and contribute to the country’s digital economy. Ministry of IT and Ignite National Technology Fund believe that Pakistan has great potential to meet both demand and supply side of the gaming and animation industry. This partnership between Ignite and HUM Network Limited is a step towards creating world-class opportunities for our youth.”
CEO HUM Network Mr. Duraid Qureshi said, “As one of Pakistan’s leading media networks, HUM Network Limited is proud to collaborate on this initiative, bringing our expertise in media, storytelling, and content creation to support the development of a new generation of creative professionals. This isn't just about technology; it's about people and their dreams. We're building a home for every brilliant idea and every ambitious mind in Pakistan. CEGA is the engine that will turn our nation's talent into a force that can compete and win on the world stage."
CEO Ignite, Mr. Rafique A. Buriro reiterated that CEGA will provide the right infrastructure and skills to enable Pakistani youth to excel globally. He added that the initiative directly supports the government’s vision of strengthening the digital and creative economy.
The CEGA initiative is part of Ignite’s broader mission to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship in Pakistan through National Incubation Centers, Research & Development projects, and specialized programs in emerging technologies.
By empowering local talent, CEGA will strategically position Pakistan as a regional hub for game development and animation. Startups incubated at the center will benefit from cutting-edge technology, professional guidance, and exposure to international markets. In parallel, students will graduate with the skills and mindset needed to succeed in a competitive global industry.
With its visionary approach, CEGA is poised to become a landmark initiative in Pakistan's journey toward a vibrant and prosperous digital future.
