The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, through Ignite – National Technology Fund, launched the Prime Minister’s Cloud Enablement Program for Startups, the Pakistan Startup Fund and the BridgeStart Pakistan cheque distribution ceremony on October 31, 2025 in Islamabad, marking a key step in strengthening Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem.
The ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for IT & Telecom Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja as Chief Guest and Mr. Rafique Ahmed Burriro, CEO Ignite, alongside founders, CEOs, presidents, partners and senior executives from leading private companies and startups, as well as MOITT officials and other dignitaries.
Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja underlined the government’s commitment to the Prime Minister’s Digital Nation Vision and said, “The launch of the Prime Minister’s Cloud Enablement Program, Pakistan Startup Fund, and BridgeStart Pakistan reflects our vision to empower startups, attract global investments, and position Pakistan as a competitive force in the global digital economy.”
Mr. Rafique Ahmed Burriro explained Ignite’s role in execution and said that the combined effort will supply startups with essential pillars for success—namely infrastructure, funding and international exposure—creating an ecosystem for sustainable innovation.
The Cloud Enablement initiative offers reimbursement-based cloud credits through leading global providers including AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure and Huawei Cloud, enabling eligible startups to scale operations, accelerate product development and adopt emerging technologies in AI, FinTech, HealthTech and eCommerce. These resources make the Cloud Enablement program a practical tool for reducing infrastructure barriers and speeding time to market.
The Pakistan Startup Fund is designed to bridge early-stage funding gaps by offering equity-free grants covering up to 30% of an investment round, a mechanism intended to de-risk private investment and encourage increased venture capital inflows into Pakistan’s startup ecosystem.
BridgeStart Pakistan will connect high-potential startups with international accelerators and investors, supporting participation in global programs and providing vital exposure to overseas markets. During the ceremony graduating startups received cheques and certificates in recognition of their achievements; the cohort included Motovest, Paymo, Chaajao Tech, InLights Solutions, Sahl, Thingsty, Kashmeta, Edversity, Creative 3D and Wiser Machines.
Together, the Cloud Enablement program, Pakistan Startup Fund and BridgeStart Pakistan form a coordinated national framework that reinforces policy, funding and infrastructure support. The initiatives aim to accelerate innovation, empower entrepreneurs across the country and help build a resilient digital nation.
