In a significant move to boost Pakistan’s digital exports, Ignite National Technology Fund — the entrepreneurial arm of the Ministry of IT & Telecom — and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Ignite’s office in Islamabad. This strategic partnership aims to support and promote mature, export-ready IT startups on global platforms by integrating Pakistan’s tech innovations into international markets through targeted mentorship, global event participation, and sector-specific acceleration programs.
Under the leadership of Mr. Faiz Ahmad Chadhar, Chief Executive of TDAP and Mr. Adeel Aijaz Shaikh CEO, Ignite both organizations have taken a forward-looking step toward accelerating the global growth of Pakistan’s IT sector through this formal collaboration with Ignite.
The MoU builds upon the successful partnership between TDAP and Ignite during PIXS 2025 — TDAP’s maiden flagship event for the Services Division — held at the historic Lahore Fort. The showcase highlighted some of Pakistan’s most promising tech startups and laid the foundation for deeper institutional alignment.
Operationally spearheaded by Mr. Muhammad Bilal Abbasi, General Manager Projects, Ignite and Ms. Rafia Syed, DG Services, TDAP, the MoU is centered on:
⦁ Strengthening the export support ecosystem for IT startups
⦁ Bridging the gap between incubation and global scaling
⦁ Leveraging TDAP’s international trade access to connect startups with global markets
⦁ Launching the first-ever export-oriented accelerator within TDAP premises
“This MoU reflects our shared ambition to position Pakistan’s tech startups as global contenders,” said Mr. Adeel Aijaz Shaikh, CEO of Ignite. “Together with TDAP, we aim to nurture high-potential startups, provide access to global networks, and promote innovation-led exports.”
Mr. Faiz Ahmad Chadhar, Chief Executive of TDAP, noted, “TDAP is committed to diversifying Pakistan’s export base. Our partnership with Ignite will help unlock new growth opportunities for our IT sector by enabling startups to tap into international markets with the right support and visibility.”
This five-year strategic partnership aligns with TDAP’s broader mandate to develop robust, end-to-end sectoral supply chains — from grassroots innovation to international integration — ensuring Pakistan’s digital economy is competitive, resilient, and future-ready.
As a national leader in the innovation ecosystem, Ignite continues to drive transformative change through its large-scale initiatives in incubation, skills development, and startup funding — contributing to a stronger, more dynamic digital Pakistan.
