Q1: What is Durshal Community Lab (CIL)?
Durshal CIL is KPITB’s flagship program for nurturing startup culture in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by setting up Pakistan’s largest network of incubation center and co-working spaces across KP.
Q2: Is this program only for university students?
Not necessarily. This program is for all individuals who have a viable business idea that leverages an element of technology for service/product delivery. But we do value formal education and at least one startup member must be a graduate with at least 16 years of education. Please check the eligibility criteria.
Q3: Is Durshal offering any stipend?
Yes, Durshal is offering a stipend of PKR. 30,000/ per month for first 3 months to each member of a startup team.
Q4: How many members are allowed in a single team?
Each startup team should be comprised of minimum 2 and maximum 4 members.
Q5: Is it necessary to be a graduate/student of IT or CS for joining Durshal as a startup?
No, not necessarily. If you have a viable business idea and you fulfill the eligibility criteria, you can apply to join Durshal. While our current focus is on incubating tech-based commercial startups, however, any social and non-tech startup that has an element of ICT may apply.
Q6: What facilities would Durshal provide to the selected startups?
We provide the following facilities at Durshal for startups:
Q7: What is the duration of incubation period?
The incubatees would be placed for a period of six-months at Durshal Community Lab. After successful completion of incubation phase, a limited number of startups may be selected for the China Accelerator programs.
Q8: My application has been submitted but I didn’t get any confirmation email yet, whom should I contact?
The best way to reach Durshal team is through the email address: info@durshal.com or through contact us form.
Q9: Can I work on my startup at home rather than coming to Durshal after my startup is selected?
While we are flexible and a member can work from home from time to time, our main goal at Durshal is to ensure active interaction between resident startups, co-workers, and mentors. We have therefore designed a mechanism to continuously gauge the interest, seriousness, and performance of resident startups. Therefore, attendance is a part of KPIs against which we will be evaluating our startup members.
Q10: What type of startups are most likely to be selected?
Durshal will prefer technology-based startups. Meanwhile extraordinary social and non-technology startups will also be considered accordingly. Our preference will be given to teams willing to work for a six-months cycle (if selected) at Durshal.
Q11: Is there an age limit to who can apply for your startup programs?
There is no pre-defined age limit. Entrepreneurs from all age brackets and backgrounds are welcome to apply.
Q12: Can I apply with multiple ideas?
If you have multiple viable ideas we would love to hear about them but we would be selecting a startup based on their best viable idea.
Q13: I have a business idea but I need some guidance before I apply for incubation. How can you help?
For your guidance, we have provided a sample form based on a fictitious startup: ‘Taxi Online’. It is for educational purposes only and the aim of the sample application form is to provide you general information and understanding of questions asked in the Durshal application form. It is not to provide a specific idea and/or advice. You can find a copy of our filled application form at the beginning of your application. If you still have queries, please don’t hesitate to reach our team at info@durshal.com
Q14: Is Durshal charging any fee from startups for incubation?
No, Durshal will not be charging any fee from resident startups.
Q15: What happens once we apply?
Once the applications are closed startups will be shortlisted for the second round where they would have to convince our panel of judges about the viability of their idea.
Q16: Can startups based in other provinces apply.
The aim of Durshal is to revolutionize the startup ecosystem in KP. That is why we would welcome potential startups irrespective of race, province, gender, age, etc. However, each startup should have at least one member who belongs to KP.