The development of a first row transition metal (cobalt)-based catalyst for the as yet unexplored CH activation-driven reaction of 1,3-diynes, themselves a functional class of interest in a range of application areas, to form isoquinolinonesan important structural motif in a number of biologically active substancesis presented. This versatile and inexpensive catalyst employs a covalently attached bidendate-directing group, 8-aminoquinoline. The template directs the CH activation and facilitates the synthesis of a wide range of alkynylated heterocycles under mild conditions and with excellent regioselectivity. This strategy provides a novel and efficient route to diverse heterocyclic frameworks as demonstrated by its late stage application in bisheterocycle syntheses.