BridgeStart Pakistan
Introduction
BridgeStart Pakistan is a flagship initiative by the Government of Pakistan, designed to propel high-potential Pakistani startups onto the global stage. The program provides selected startups with access to world-renowned incubators and accelerators, enabling them to tap into international networks, market opportunities, and knowledge exchange, facilitating their expansion beyond borders.
BridgeStart Pakistan immerses startups in premier global innovation ecosystems, equipping them with strategic insights, industry connections, and best practices essential for international expansion. By participating in this program, startups gain valuable exposure and guidance to build scalable businesses with global potential.
Benefits
International Exposure
Experience global startup environments and business cultures
Networking Opportunities
Connect with international mentors, investors, and industry leaders
Knowledge Transfer
Gain insights from global best practices and innovation trends
Market Expansion
Identify and strategize entry into new markets
Brand Pakistan
Represent Pakistan’s innovation potential on the global stage
Access to Funding
Explore financial support opportunities through global investors
Economic Growth & Competitiveness
Contribute to Pakistan’s startup ecosystem and economic prosperity
Application Process
Secure International Admission
Obtain acceptance into a recognized international incubator or accelerator
Submit Documentation
After completing the Google Form application, startups must email their required documents to [email protected] for further processing
Evaluation
The Expert Committee (EC) will assess applications based on program alignment, impact potential, and the pitch performance of the startup
Selection & Notification
Approved startups will be notified and guided on accessing program benefits
Evaluation:
Our panel of experts will review applications to ensure alignment with the program’s goals and the potential impact of the proposed international experience.
Notification:
Selected startups will be notified and provided with further instructions on accessing program benefits and preparing for their international engagement.
Eligibility Criteria
- Pakistani Startup – Must be operational in Pakistan’s startup ecosystem.
- Startup Age – Less than 5 years old.
- International Admission – Must have secured a spot in a globally recognized incubator/accelerator.
- Scalability & Innovation – Must demonstrate high growth potential and market readiness.
- Commitment – Founders must fully participate in program activities, including international engagements.
- Exclusion – Startups previously funded by BridgeStart Pakistan are ineligible.
Sponsorship Mechanism
BridgeStart Pakistan offers financial support through the following two mechanisms:
- Reimbursement for Startups Startups that have already incurred expenses for their international program can apply for reimbursement.
- Pre-Departure & Program Sponsorship Selected startups may receive sponsorship to cover expenses before or during their international engagement.
Eligibility for Sponsorship
- Confirmed International Admission – Must have secured a spot in a globally recognized incubator/acceleratorMust have secured a spot in a globally recognized incubator/accelerator.
- Innovative & Scalable Business Model – Demonstrates strong market potential and innovation.
- Founder Commitment – Founders must pitch to the Expert Committee (EC) and exhibit dedication, expertise, and execution ability to complete the respective program.
- Alignment with BridgeStart Objectives – The startup should contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth, global visibility, and knowledge transfer.
Documents Checklist for Application Submission
After submitting your application via the Google Form, to complete your application submission, please download the documents checklist by clicking here. Once downloaded, kindly submit the required documents via email to [email protected].
Pitching Guidelines for Startups
Startups applying for BridgeStart Pakistan are required to pitch their business during the Expert Committee (EC) session (Total time 5 minutes). Pitching guidelines are as follows:
-
About the Business, Product, and Business Model – "120 seconds"
Provide a brief overview of your business, the product/service you offer, and how your business model works. -
Traction / KPIs – "30 seconds"
Highlight your key performance indicators (KPIs) and traction to date, such as sales figures, user growth, partnerships, etc. -
Future Plans – "30 seconds"
Share your vision for the future, including growth plans, scaling strategy, and potential market expansions. -
About the Founder – "30 seconds"
Provide a quick background of the founder(s), their relevant experience, and their role in the business. -
Secured Funding (if any) – "30 seconds"
Mention any funding already secured and the stage of investment (e.g., seed round, Series A, etc.). -
Acceleration Program Details & Benefits Gained – "60 seconds"
Describe the international accelerator program you’ve been part of or plan to join, and the key benefits you’ve gained or expect to gain from it.).
The pitch will immediately be followed by a detailed Q&A session, where the startups may be asked varying questions by the experts regarding the business, future plans and relevance of the program.
Submit Your Application
Climate-tech, female founded and sustainability led startups are encouraged to apply.
Disclaimer
Applying does not guarantee acceptance into the program. All applications will be initially reviewed by the BridgeStart Pakistan team, followed by evaluation by the Expert Committee. Applicants will be notified of the final decision accordingly. Any threatening behaviour towards staff may result in the rejection of your application and being blacklisted from all Ignite programs.
Duration
The BridgeStart Pakistan Program operates on a rolling basis, and applications are processed as received. Eligible startups are encouraged to apply before the end of the 24-month program duration to avail themselves of this opportunity.
Meet Our Experts
At BridgeStart Pakistan, we are proud to have a distinguished panel of experts who are committed to empowering startups and driving innovation across Pakistan. Our expert committee includes seasoned professionals with vast experience in entrepreneurship, investment, and corporate strategy.
Sabina Babayeva
Sabina brings 20 years of experience in innovation, strategy, and business development. As COO of Hackquarters, she has helped over 1000 founders from 100+ countries raise $400M and scale globally.
Sabina Babayeva
Head of Istanbul Hub @ Tenity | COO @ Hackquarters
Tauseef Riaz
With expertise in venture capital, corporate strategy, and digital transformation, Tauseef has led tech investments and M&A projects exceeding $5 billion, working across 30+ countries.
Tauseef Riaz
Venture Builder | Startup Investor | M&A | Mentor | Board Member | Co-Founder, Considra Care, Canada
Yamna Naveed Khan
Yamna leads innovation and strategy initiatives at SITA in the MEA region. She has worked on digital strategies for government and private sector entities and is actively involved in mentoring and advising startups.
Yamna Naveed Khan
Corporate Innovation & Strategy at SITA, Dubai
Yumna Iftikhar
Yumna has over a decade of experience in designing and managing high-impact business incubation programs, particularly for startups, MSMEs, and women entrepreneurs across Pakistan and globally.
Yumna Iftikhar
Manager CED at IBA | Program Design & Implementation | Business Incubation Management
Bilal Farooq Khan
Bilal is a marketing strategist with expertise in corporate communications, digital strategy, and brand storytelling. He has contributed to the growth of Pakistan’s startup ecosystem and collaborates with investors and policymakers.
Bilal Farooq Khan
Co-Founder at Innovate X | Marketing Strategist | Startup & Innovation Consultant
Muneeb Sheikh
Muneeb is a tech innovator with over 12 years of experience. He played a key role in Careem’s success and now leads AI innovation at Ositech Communications, focusing on healthcare solutions.
Muneeb Sheikh
CTO at Ositech Communications | AI Engineer & Co-founder @ Stealth Startup | Perplexity, Canada
Farhat Bashir
Farhat is a seasoned entrepreneur with extensive experience in business development and scaling startups. She has been a key mentor and advisor to Pakistan’s growing startup ecosystem.