Pakistan to showcase top 10 green startups at COP29 in Azerbaijan

Pakistan will present its leading climate-focused startups at the COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, this November.

The initiative aims to highlight innovative projects targeting greenhouse gas reduction and other sustainable solutions, sources familiar with the plan shared on Friday.

The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) has also launched a state-of-the-art Green-Tech Hub (G-TH) on its Islamabad campus.

This facility is designed to support the country’s transition to sustainable energy by promoting green technologies, renewable solutions, and eco-friendly innovations. The hub will act as a collaborative platform for young entrepreneurs and industry leaders to develop and scale green projects.

Salaal Hassan, CEO of Ignite—a company dedicated to funding tech ventures—announced at the G-TH launch that his organisation would select ten promising startups from the agritech, energy, and related sectors to participate in COP29.

Three of these startups will receive additional support for fundraising and job creation, Hassan added, encouraging young innovators to prioritise climate solutions.

Ministry of Climate Change Secretary Aisha Humera also spoke at the event, underscoring the environmental challenges facing Pakistan. While the country contributes less than 1% to global carbon emissions, she noted, the economic and social impact of climate change has been severe.

“This Green-Tech Hub provides a dedicated space for young innovators to market green solutions and engage with industry, addressing climate challenges head-on,” Humera said.

COP29 is expected to attract representatives from around the globe to discuss climate impacts and adaptation solutions with Pakistan’s showcase aiming to position the nation as a proactive contributor to the fight against climate change.