Ignite National Technology Fund and HUM Network Limited have signed an agreement to establish the Center of Excellence in Gaming and Animation (CEGA), a national hub designed to develop Pakistan’s gaming and animation sectors by incubating startups, training talent, and providing collaborative workspaces and market access.
The partnership, announced at a signing ceremony held at the Ministry of IT & Telecom in Islamabad, brings together Ignite, operating under the Ministry of IT & Telecom, and HUM Network Limited to build infrastructure and programs that turn creative ideas into commercial ventures. CEGA aims to nurture developers, animators, and entrepreneurs and strengthen the country’s digital creative economy.
Key targets for CEGA include incubating 200 startups over five years, training 10,000 individuals in gaming, animation, and interactive content through specialized courses and workshops, and offering a state-of-the-art co-working space that will include 100 free seats to support early-stage creators and teams. Startups in the program will receive mentorship, funding support, technology resources, and exposure to international markets.
The signing ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for IT & Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, senior officials from the ministry, Ignite leadership, representatives from HUM Network Limited, and other dignitaries. The event emphasized government support for the initiative as part of a broader strategy to build a digital nation and expand Pakistan’s creative industries.
Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the government is committed to nurturing technology and creative sectors and described CEGA as a significant step toward equipping youth with world-class skills, strengthening the gaming and animation ecosystem, and contributing to the digital economy. She highlighted the potential for Pakistan to meet both demand and supply needs in the industry and called the partnership a path to creating global opportunities for young professionals.
Duraid Qureshi, CEO of HUM Network, said the network will contribute media, storytelling, and content-creation expertise to help develop a new generation of creative professionals. He described CEGA as a home for ambitious ideas and talent that can help Pakistan compete on the world stage.
Ignite CEO Rafique A. Buriro said CEGA will provide the infrastructure and training necessary for Pakistani youth to excel globally and that the initiative aligns with government efforts to strengthen the digital and creative economy.
CEGA is part of Ignite’s broader mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship through National Incubation Centers, research and development projects, and programs in emerging technologies. Organizers expect the center to position Pakistan as a regional hub for game development and animation by empowering local talent, facilitating access to cutting-edge technology, and creating pathways to international markets.
