INSPIRE to train youth in advanced chip technologies

GSMA, FCDO team explores role of mobile ecosystems in disaster resilience, digital inclusion

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has stressed that under the INSPIRE initiative, 7,200 young Pakistanis will be trained in advanced semiconductor technologies, supported by the establishment of nine IC (integrated circuit) design labs across university clusters nationwide, to strengthen Pakistan's hardware and chip-design ecosystem.

A high-level delegation comprising Louisa Odell, Innovation and Technology Adviser at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO); Michael Unwin, Strategic Partnership Lead, Technology & Innovation Unit, FCDO; and Kimberly Brown, Global Head of Mobile for Humanitarian, GSMA, called on the IT minister in Islamabad.

They discussed the critical role of connectivity and mobile ecosystems in disaster resilience, digital inclusion and sustainable development. The meeting featured the federal minister's perspective on Pakistan's innovation and startup landscape and key policy initiatives enabling digital growth.

The IT minister highlighted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's Digital Pakistan vision and briefed the delegation on the INSPIRE Semiconductor Programme, under which thousands of youth would be trained in advanced chip technologies. The GSMA delegation presented an overview of the GSMA Mobile for Development (M4D), its global mandate and recent initiatives in Pakistan, particularly for mobile internet adoption, digital inclusion and climate resilience for vulnerable communities through mobile-enabled solutions. The delegation welcomed Pakistan's focus on inclusive digital transformation and resilience-driven innovation. The GSMA and FCDO representatives expressed appreciation for Pakistan's startup support mechanisms, particularly the Bridge Start and Pakistan Startup Fund Programme, noting that these initiatives reflect the country's strong commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship, innovation and a sustainable digital economy.