Applications for LCE Idea Launch Now Open!
The LUMS Centre for Entrepreneurship (LCE) is now accepting applications for the third cohort of its Idea Launch Incubation Programme — a six-month incubation programme designed to support early-stage founders in transforming innovative ideas into viable ventures.
Through structured training, mentorship, and access to LCE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, the programme helps founders move beyond ideation and begin building scalable, impact-driven businesses. Participants also gain access to peer learning opportunities, industry experts, networking sessions, and LCE’s broader entrepreneurial community, enabling them to refine their ideas and strengthen their business foundations.
This year, LCE is placing special emphasis on start-ups working within the creative economy. This includes ventures operating across areas such as:
• crafts and artisanal products
• textiles and fashion
• digital content and media
• design and illustration
• animation and digital arts
• photography and filmmaking
• cultural and heritage-based products
• creative technology and other design-led ventures
Pakistan’s creative sector holds immense untapped potential, and LCE aims to support founders in building sustainable, growth-oriented businesses rooted in creativity, culture, and innovation.
Start-ups building solutions for environmental challenges are also strongly encouraged to apply, alongside ventures working in sectors such as edtech, fintech, health tech, and other technology-driven domains. As long as the idea leverages innovation and technology to solve real-world problems, founders from all sectors are welcome to apply.
Selected start-ups will participate in structured workshops covering key entrepreneurial areas such as business strategy, branding and marketing, finance, product development, and pitching techniques. Founders will also receive mentorship and opportunities to engage with investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders throughout the programme. The programme will culminate in an Investor Summit, where graduating start-ups will present their ideas and business models to a network of investors, venture capitalists, industry leaders, and seasoned entrepreneurs.
Interested founders can apply here: https://gust.com/programs/lce-idea-launch-incubation-program-c4
Last day to apply is May 31, 2026.
