Ignite to Launch Women Innovation and Startup Empowerment Lab

Ignite National Technology Fund, under the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication, has initiated plans for the Women Innovation and Startup Empowerment Lab (WISE Lab). WISE Lab is a dedicated platform for women-led startups in Pakistan. A formal Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued, calling on firms to apply to establish and manage the lab. According to official documents, the lab will offer an 8,000–10,000 square feet incubation space in Islamabad, with capacity for at least 20 startups at a time. The program also includes training programs across Pakistan, covering all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, reaching 200 female micro-entrepreneurs annually via physical bootcamps. It is designed to tackle barriers like limited access to capital, digital skills, and professional networks for women entrepreneurs. Ignite also plans to appoint a professional team (via the selected bidder) to run the Lab. This team will oversee incubation cycles, deliver training in business development, digital literacy, investment readiness, and facilitate investor access. As many as five high-performing startups each year will qualify for grants of up to Rs. 2 million to scale operations. Project is in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals and Pakistan’s commitments to it, particularly in promoting gender equality and inclusive growth. Only 24.5% of women are active in the labor force in Pakistan, and just 1% engage in entrepreneurship compared to 21% of men. Interested firms must submit technical and financial bids via the national e-procurement system by November 13, 2025. The final award will follow a quality-and-cost evaluation method. Ignite will monitor and fund operations to ensure measurable outcomes in women-led entrepreneurship. Ignite is already known for backing deep tech, managing National Incubation Centers (NICs) nationwide, and supporting startup grants.