ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken a major leap toward building a digital and innovation-driven economy with the launch of the Prime Minister’s Cloud Enablement Program for Startups and the Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF). The initiatives were introduced by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) through its flagship organisation, Ignite National Technology Fund.
The announcement was made during a ceremony attended by Federal Minister for IT & Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Ignite CEO Rafique Ahmed Burriro, and representatives from leading startups, private companies, and government bodies.
Boosting the Digital Nation Vision
Addressing the event, Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Prime Minister’s Digital Nation Vision, highlighting that these projects will empower entrepreneurs, accelerate innovation, and position Pakistan as a competitive player in the global tech landscape.
Ignite CEO Rafique Ahmed Burriro emphasized that the programs Cloud Enablement, PSF, and BridgeStart together provide startups with infrastructure, funding, and international exposure, creating a sustainable innovation ecosystem.
Access to Global Cloud Platforms
The Cloud Enablement Program offers Pakistani startups reimbursement based cloud credits through world leading providers like AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Huawei Cloud. This support will help startups adopt advanced technologies including AI, FinTech, HealthTech, and eCommerce, enabling them to innovate faster and scale efficiently.
Equity Free Startup Funding
The Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF) aims to close the early stage funding gap by offering equity free grants covering up to 30% of an investment round. This reduces risks for private investors and is expected to attract greater venture capital inflows into Pakistan’s growing startup landscape.
Global Exposure Through BridgeStart
Under the BridgeStart Pakistan program, startups gain access to international accelerators, investors, and markets. At the ceremony, graduating startups including Motovest, Paymo, Chaajao Tech, InLights Solutions, Sahl, Thingsty, Kashmeta, Edversity, Creative 3D, and Wiser Machines were honored for their success in international programs and global representation.
Building a Strong Innovation Ecosystem
The launch of these initiatives reflects the government’s strategic focus on policy reform, financial support, and technological enablement to strengthen Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.
Together, the Cloud Enablement Program, Pakistan Startup Fund, and BridgeStart Pakistan form a comprehensive national framework designed to bridge ideas, empower innovators, and shape a digital nation ready for the future.
