The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), through its flagship organization Ignite – National Technology Fund, on Friday launched two major initiatives: the Prime Minister’s Cloud Enablement Program for Startups and the Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF).
The launch marks a key step in the government’s efforts to boost Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem and develop a knowledge-based digital economy. The ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for IT & Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Ignite CEO Rafique Ahmed Burriro, and leading startup founders, private sector executives, and government officials.
Addressing the audience, Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized the government’s commitment to the Prime Minister’s Digital Nation Vision, noting that these programs will accelerate innovation, empower entrepreneurs, and position Pakistan as a competitive player in the global technology landscape.
“The Cloud Enablement Program, Pakistan Startup Fund, and BridgeStart Pakistan reflect our vision to support startups, attract global investment, and strengthen the digital economy,” she said, adding that the initiatives aim to provide youth with an enabling environment for innovation and research.
Rafique Ahmed Burriro said Ignite would implement the initiatives, providing startups with the critical pillars for success: infrastructure, funding, and international exposure to build a sustainable innovation ecosystem.
The Prime Minister’s Cloud Enablement Program offers startups access to cloud infrastructure from leading global providers, including AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Huawei Cloud, along with reimbursement-based cloud credits to accelerate growth and adoption of emerging technologies such as AI, FinTech, HealthTech, and eCommerce.
The Pakistan Startup Fund bridges early-stage funding gaps by providing equity-free grants of up to 30% of an investment round, helping de-risk private investment and attract venture capital to the country. Meanwhile, BridgeStart Pakistan connects startups with global accelerators and investors, giving them international exposure.
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During the event, graduating startups under BridgeStart Pakistan—including Motovest, Paymo, Chaajao Tech, InLights Solutions, Sahl, Thingsty, Kashmeta, Edversity, Creative 3D, and Wiser Machines—received cheques and certificates for their achievements in international acceleration and incubation programs.
Together, these initiatives form a unified framework to bridge ideas and resources, fostering innovation and advancing Pakistan’s journey toward a digital nation.
