IT minister formally inaugurates ‘The Innovation Hive’ established by USEFP

'Innovation Hive' is a bridge that will provide entrepreneurs from Pak with direct access to US market, investors

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Monday formally inaugurated "The Innovation Hive", established by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP).

The ceremony was attended by US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, STEPI Pakistan CEO Dr Mazhar H Qureshi, USEFP Alumni Affairs Director Mazhar Awan and other prominent personalities.

“Talent exists everywhere in Pakistan; it just needs a place where opportunity can find it. That's what the Innovation Hive is for. This partnership reflects President Trump's vision that America's relationships abroad should deliver real results, more trade, more investment, and more prosperity for both our countries," Baker said.

Read: Federal IT minister highlights youth-led digital growth

Baker added that over its first year, the Innovation Hive would connect over 250 American mentors with entrepreneurs at every stage, and the US government would invest to support top Pakistani entrepreneurs.

https://t.co/yTJzUWwYhs

— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) September 21, 2026

Addressing the ceremony, Shaza thanked the US Embassy and USEFP, saying that ‘The Innovation Hive’ was not merely a building or an office, but a strong bridge that would provide Pakistani entrepreneurs with direct access to the US market and investors without having to leave the country, while also creating broader opportunities for young people to advance.

Highlighting the historical ties and economic cooperation between the two countries, the minister said that the US was Pakistan’s largest export market, accounting for around 20 per cent of Pakistan’s total exports during fiscal year 2025-26.

Shaza said that bilateral trade exceeded eight billion dollars in 2025, while under the Pakistan-US trade agreement reached in July 2025, US import duties on IT services, textiles and other sectors were reduced.

She added that Pakistan had, as a goodwill gesture, abolished the five per cent Digital Services Tax.

The minister also said that the combined enterprise value of Pakistan’s VC-funded startups had exceeded four billion dollars.

She said startups raised 74.2 million dollars in funding in 2025, while funding for startups founded or co-founded by women increased from 5.5 million dollars in 2024 to 10.1 million dollars in 2025.

‘The Innovation Hive’ would serve as a permanent platform connecting Pakistani talent directly with the US market, mentorship opportunities and the alumni network.

From ideas in Islamabad to ambitions in Silicon Valley, a new opportunity opens for Pakistani entrepreneurs. The US Embassy has launched Innovation Hive at USEFP in Islamabad, offering practical training, mentorship from American experts and connections to technology and… pic.twitter.com/tX8c2isb9q

— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) September 21, 2026

Referring to key institutions and initiatives of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, the minister said that through nine National Incubation Centres, Ignite had supported more than 2,350 startups and created over 185,000 employment opportunities.

She said the Pakistan Startup Fund had restored the confidence of US investors by providing funding of up to 30 per cent without taking any government equity.

The Special Technology Zones Authority provided technology and AI companies with 10-year tax and customs incentives.

Read More: Iqbal sets $1tr digital goal for 2035

Concluding her address, Shaza told entrepreneurs: “The US market you want to reach is no longer across the ocean; its address is now in Islamabad. This bridge reflects the shared commitment of both countries.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the minister also visited various sections of the USEFP, where she was briefed on the organisation and its activities.