ISLAMABAD by IMTISAL BUKHARI
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), through its flagship organization Ignite – National Technology Fund, launched two landmark initiatives today; the Prime Minister’s Cloud Enablement Program for Startups, the Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF) alongwith BridgeStart Pakistan Cheque Distribution Ceremony.
The event marks a significant milestone in the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen the national innovation ecosystem and promote a knowledge-based digital economy.
The ceremony was graced by the Honourable Federal Minister for IT & Telecom, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, as Chief Guest, accompanied by Mr. Rafique Ahmed Burriro, CEO Ignite, along with founders, co-founders, CEOs, presidents, partners, VPs, directors, and general managers from leading private companies and startups, officials from MOITT and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the occasion, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighted the Government’s strong commitment to the Prime Minister’s Digital Nation Vision, emphasizing that these initiatives will accelerate innovation, empower entrepreneurs, and position Pakistan as a key player in the global technology landscape.
“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,” said Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for IT & Telecom.
Adding to the occasion, Mr. Rafique Ahmed Burriro, CEO Ignite, stated:
“Ignite, under the Ministry of IT& Telecom is to execute these transformative initiatives. The Cloud Enablement Program, PSF, and BridgeStart collectively provide our startups with the essential pillars for success; infrastructure, funding, and international exposure in creating an ecosystem for sustainable innovation.”
The Prime Minister’s Cloud Enablement Program for Startups aims to provide access to world-class cloud infrastructure through leading global providers such as AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Huawei Cloud. The program offers reimbursement-based cloud credits to eligible startups, enabling them to scale efficiently, innovate faster, and adopt emerging technologies such as AI, FinTech, HealthTech, and eCommerce.
The Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF) is designed to bridge early-stage funding gaps by offering equity-free grants of up to 30% of an investment round, helping de-risk private investment and encouraging venture capital inflows into Pakistan’s startup ecosystem.
BridgeStart Pakistan connects startups with global accelerators and investors, supporting their participation in international programs and providing exposure to global markets.
During the ceremony, graduating startups under BridgeStart Pakistan were presented cheques and certificates in recognition of their outstanding performance in international acceleration and incubation programs. The startups included Motovest, Paymo, Chaajao Tech, InLights Solutions, Sahl, Thingsty, Kashmeta, Edversity, Creative 3D, and Wiser Machines, all of whom have represented Pakistan internationally and established valuable investor connections.
The launch of these initiatives underscores the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s startup ecosystem through policy, funding, and infrastructure enablement. Together, the Prime Minister’s Cloud Enablement Program, Pakistan Startup Fund, and BridgeStart Pakistan form a unified national framework to bridge dreams and build a digital nation.