Islamabad, November 3, 2025 — The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), through its flagship organisation Ignite – National Technology Fund, has unveiled two major initiatives — the Prime Minister’s Cloud Enablement Program for Startups and the Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF) — to empower entrepreneurs and strengthen Pakistan’s digital innovation ecosystem.
The launch ceremony, attended by Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Ignite CEO Rafique Ahmed Burriro, marks a significant milestone in the government’s broader effort to foster a knowledge-driven digital economy.
Empowering Startups Through Cloud Access
The Cloud Enablement Program offers startups reimbursement-based cloud credits from global providers such as AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Huawei Cloud, enabling them to scale efficiently and adopt emerging technologies like AI, FinTech, HealthTech, and eCommerce. This initiative aims to remove infrastructure barriers, allowing startups to innovate faster while ensuring data security and cost efficiency.
Addressing Funding Gaps with the Pakistan Startup Fund
The Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF) will provide equity-free grants of up to 30% of an investment round to help bridge early-stage funding gaps and de-risk private investments, attracting venture capital to Pakistan’s startup ecosystem.
Connecting Startups Globally with BridgeStart Pakistan
Under the broader initiative, BridgeStart Pakistan will connect local startups with global accelerators and investors, providing international exposure and access to funding networks. Graduating startups such as Motovest, Paymo, Chaajao Tech, InLights Solutions, Sahl, Thingsty, Kashmeta, Edversity, Creative 3D, and Wiser Machines were recognized for their achievements in global acceleration programs.
Driving Innovation Under the Digital Nation Vision
Speaking at the event, Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Prime Minister’s Digital Nation Vision, emphasizing that the initiatives will “accelerate innovation, empower entrepreneurs, and position Pakistan as a key player in the global tech landscape.”
Rafique Ahmed Burriro added that Ignite’s goal is to equip startups with the three key pillars of success — infrastructure, funding, and global exposure, ensuring sustainable innovation and economic progress.
Together, the Cloud Enablement Program, Pakistan Startup Fund, and BridgeStart Pakistan form an integrated framework designed to turn ideas into impactful ventures, reinforcing Pakistan’s vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy.
