Govt Launches Major Startup Push With Cloud Support and Equity-Free Funding

Pakistan has rolled out a major support package for startups, including equity-free grants under the Pakistan Startup Fund, and nationwide cloud enablement incentives, as part of efforts to build a stronger digital economy. The Ministry of IT and Telecom launched the initiatives under its flagship body Ignite. The programs include the Prime Minister’s Cloud Enablement for Startups, the Pakistan Startup Fund, and BridgeStart Pakistan support for global expansion. Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the government is aligning with the Prime Minister’s Digital Nation Vision to boost technology-driven growth. The cloud program offers startups subsidised access to global platforms including AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure and Huawei Cloud. Officials say this will help new companies scale faster and adopt emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and fintech. The Pakistan Startup Fund will play a key role in attracting capital. It will provide equity-free grants covering up to 30 percent of an investment round, reducing risks for private investors and enabling new funding flows into the sector. BridgeStart Pakistan will help companies enter global markets by facilitating participation in international accelerators and engagements with foreign investors. Several startups including Motovest, Paymo, Chaajao Tech, Sahl, Edversity and Wiser Machines received cheques and recognition for their achievements abroad. Rafique Ahmed Burriro, CEO of Ignite, said the strategy combines infrastructure, financing and international exposure into a single ecosystem designed to support sustainable innovation. Industry representatives say the shift could improve Pakistan’s visibility in global venture networks, and support job creation in high-growth technology fields.