Pakistan launches cloud enablement, startup fund
Shaza also revealed that Chinese satellite internet firms, including Galaxy Space and Shanghai Space, have expressed interest in entering the Pakistani market. PHOTO: APP
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, through its flagship organisation Ignite – National Technology Fund, on Friday launched two landmark initiatives: the Prime Minister's Cloud Enablement Programme for Startups and the Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF).
The event marked a major milestone in the government's efforts to strengthen the national innovation ecosystem and promote a knowledge-based digital economy.
Speaking on the occasion, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja underscored the government's strong commitment to the Prime Minister's Digital Nation vision, emphasising that these initiatives would 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 Programme, the Pakistan Startup Fund, and BridgeStart Pakistan reflects our vision to empower startups, attract global investment, and establish Pakistan as a competitive force in the global digital economy," she said.
The IT minister added that the government is taking concrete steps to provide an enabling environment for young people to pursue innovation and research.
The Pakistan Startup Fund has been established to further support young entrepreneurs, helping them transform innovative ideas into viable solutions for global challenges. Highlighting the country's progress in the information technology sector, she said Pakistan's IT industry continues to demonstrate remarkable growth, adding that the national leadership remains fully committed to supporting its sustained expansion and development.
Ignite CEO Rafique Ahmed Burriro said, "The Cloud Enablement Programme, PSF, and BridgeStart collectively provide our startups with the essential pillars for success: infrastructure, funding, and international exposure for creating an ecosystem for sustainable innovation."