The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), through its flagship organization Ignite – National Technology Fund, has officially launched the Prime Minister’s Cloud Enablement Program for Startups, alongside the Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF) and the BridgeStart Pakistan Cheque Distribution Ceremony. The event marks a significant step forward in the government’s efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem and develop a sustainable, knowledge-driven digital economy. The launch ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for IT and Telecom, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who served as Chief Guest, and Mr. Rafique Ahmed Burriro, CEO of Ignite. The gathering brought together founders, partners, executives, and senior officials from leading companies, startups, and the public sector.
During her address, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja reaffirmed the government’s dedication to the Prime Minister’s Digital Nation Vision, stating that the new programs aim to empower entrepreneurs, foster innovation, and enhance Pakistan’s presence in the global technology landscape. She highlighted that initiatives such as the Prime Minister’s Cloud Enablement Program, the Pakistan Startup Fund, and BridgeStart Pakistan are part of a cohesive national effort to position the country as a competitive hub for digital growth. She emphasized that the programs would create pathways for startups to innovate efficiently, attract foreign investment, and scale their operations with international best practices.
Mr. Rafique Ahmed Burriro, CEO of Ignite, outlined that the organization, under MoITT’s guidance, will oversee the execution of these programs to ensure maximum impact across the startup ecosystem. He explained that the Cloud Enablement Program, PSF, and BridgeStart collectively address the critical needs of emerging startups — providing cloud infrastructure, financial support, and international exposure. The Cloud Enablement Program will offer reimbursement-based cloud credits from global providers such as AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Huawei Cloud. This support will enable startups to leverage scalable computing resources, experiment with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, fintech, healthtech, and e-commerce solutions, and strengthen their operational efficiency.
The Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF) will provide equity-free grants covering up to 30 percent of an investment round to reduce early-stage risks and attract private and venture capital investment into the local startup landscape. Meanwhile, BridgeStart Pakistan is designed to connect Pakistani startups with global accelerators and investors, giving them access to international markets and professional networks. During the ceremony, several startups including Motovest, Paymo, Chaajao Tech, InLights Solutions, Sahl, Thingsty, Kashmeta, Edversity, Creative 3D, and Wiser Machines were recognized with cheques and certificates for their outstanding participation in international programs.
These initiatives collectively represent the government’s integrated approach to supporting innovation through policy, infrastructure, and funding. By facilitating access to cloud technologies, investment opportunities, and global exposure, MoITT and Ignite are laying the groundwork for a more dynamic and resilient startup ecosystem in Pakistan. The Prime Minister’s Cloud Enablement Program, Pakistan Startup Fund, and BridgeStart Pakistan collectively form a strong foundation for fostering local entrepreneurship and driving national digital transformation.
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