Ignite – National Technology Fund, under the Ministry of IT & Telecom, proudly presented 10 of Pakistan’s most innovative startups at LEAP 2025, one of the world’s leading technology conferences. These startups, spanning AgriTech, FinTech, AI, SaaS, AR/VR, and CleanTech, reflected Pakistan’s commitment to technological advancement and entrepreneurship.

Pakistan is rapidly emerging as a global technology hub. Our participation in LEAP 2025 is a testament to our vibrant startup ecosystem, which is developing solutions with global impact. By supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, we aim to position Pakistan as a key player in the digital economy. 

Shaza Fatima Khawaja,  Minister for IT & Telecom

LEAP 2025 provided a global stage for Pakistani startups to engage with international investors, industry leaders, and potential partners. The participating startups included: زراعة الذكاء AI (AgriTech) – Utilizing AI and geospatial technology to revolutionize agriculture, Sabzland (AgriTech) – A data-driven marketplace connecting agricultural stakeholders, Hemaayah (FinTech) – Offering embedded insurance solutions for digital platforms, Auto Archi (AR/VR) – A generative AI platform enhancing architectural workflows, EcoGen (CleanTech) – Developing sustainable solutions for climate resilience and food waste management, Thingsty (SaaS) – Advancing IoT innovation with AI-driven digital twins and interactive dashboards, Resourceinn (SaaS) – Transforming HR and payroll management with intelligent automation, EVALIA (AI) – Using AI-powered simulations to assess soft skills and cultural fit in hiring, DigiLawyer (AI) – An AI-driven co-pilot supporting legal research, document drafting, and analysis, Visuar Solutions (AR) – Creating interactive AR-based user manuals for complex products.

“At Ignite, we are dedicated to enabling Pakistan’s brightest minds to transform ideas into scalable businesses. These startups are tackling real-world challenges with cutting-edge technology, and their presence at LEAP 2025 will open doors to international collaboration and investment.”

Adeel Aijaz Shaikh,  CEO Ignite

Ignite remains committed to driving Pakistan’s digital transformation by supporting startups, nurturing innovation, and strengthening the country’s position in the global tech landscape.

The Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon served a dual purpose: nurturing collaboration and knowledge-sharing on demanding cybersecurity challenges while offering hands-on workshops for national cybersecurity resources.

Ignite National Technology Fund concluded its 4th Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024 with a grand awards ceremony in Islamabad. The Chief Guest, Minister for IT & Telecom, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, presented awards to the winning teams, celebrating their exceptional skills in cybersecurity.

The Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon served a dual purpose: nurturing collaboration and knowledge-sharing on demanding cybersecurity challenges while offering hands-on workshops for national cybersecurity resources.

“The Ministry of IT and Ignite are dedicated to identifying and nurturing cybersecurity talent to protect our national networks. Our efforts have placed Pakistan in the Top Tier-1 (Role-Modeling) category of the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI-V5) 2024, a notable improvement from its previous 79th position. This advancement reflects Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening cybersecurity nationwide, particularly in the IT and telecom sectors.”
Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister for IT & Telecom

The awards ceremony recognized winners in two categories: Capture the Flag (CTF)/Red Teaming and Blue Teaming. CTF (Capture the Flag)/Red Teaming category included 2nd Runner up team “Sudoers” clinching cash award of PKR 0.75 Million, 1st Runner up team “Psychotherapist” winning cash award of PKR 1 Million and the Winner team “Air overflow” securing cash award of PKR 1.5 Million. The Blue Teaming category included 2nd Runner up team “Revolt” clinching cash award of PKR 0.75 Million, 1st Runner up team “M4lware” winning cash award of PKR 1 Million and the Winner team “AirOverflow” securing cash award of PKR 1.5 Million. The other awards for the winning teams include International Training Coupons of PKR 9 Million and Sponsorship for International Competitions worth PKR 18 Million.

Adeel Aijaz Shaikh, CEO Ignite praised the Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon as a vital platform for enhancing cybersecurity. He commended all participants for their role in securing Pakistan’s digital future.

The regional hackathon qualifiers in six cities showcased top cybersecurity talent. The top three teams from the Digital Pakistan Cybersecurity Hackathon 2023 earned international sponsorship and secured Top 50 positions at Black Hat MEA 2024 in Riyadh, highlighting Pakistan’s excellence in cybersecurity.

Pakistan has taken a significant step towards sustainability and innovation with the launch of the Green Technology Hub (G-TH), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at nurturing green tech entrepreneurship, climate-smart solutions, and capacity-building. The project is a joint effort by Ignite – Ministry of IT & Telecom, Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), and founding partners, including Acumen, Ahya, PakLaunch, Sarmayacar, and Zayn VC. This collaboration aspires to position Pakistan as a global leader in green technology.

At COP29, G-TH made a strong impression with its Green Tech Hub Startup Competition, where 120 applications were received from various sectors. After a rigorous selection process, 40 startups were shortlisted, and the top 10 advanced to the final round. The top three startups earned the opportunity to represent Pakistan at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, showcasing their groundbreaking solutions on an international stage. The winners included Concept Loop, which secured the top position for its circular economy innovations focused on minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency for a greener tomorrow. EcoEdge AI, the first runner-up, harnesses artificial intelligence to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints. SAWiE Ecosys, the second runner-up, empowers farmers with AI-driven agricultural tools, revolutionizing sustainable farming practices for improved productivity and environmental conservation.

The Green Technology Hub is more than just an initiative; it is a movement to inspire sustainable growth, drive innovation, and tackle climate challenges head-on. By nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and strengthening partnerships, G-TH is set to redefine Pakistan’s trajectory toward a greener, more resilient future. Let us continue this journey together, empowering the innovators of today to create a sustainable tomorrow.

Ignite National Technology Fund, a public sector company under the Ministry of IT & Telecom, continued its commitment to nurturing Pakistan’s startup ecosystem by participating in Expand North Star GITEX 2024 in Dubai, with its 10 trailblazing sponsored Pakistani startups.
These startups, spanned diverse industries such as healthcare, aerospace, energy, gaming, and travel-tech, showcased their cutting-edge solutions to global investors, partners, and tech enthusiasts at the world’s largest technology event. The participating startups were – AiBL (Healthcare) - Transforming patient care through AI-driven healthcare solutions, Carbotech Dynamics (Aerospace/Manufacturing) - Revolutionizing aerospace manufacturing with cutting-edge materials and processes, NewVative (Energy Tech/Health Tech) - Pioneering energy-efficient technologies for healthcare and beyond, MadNoob (Gaming) - A standout in Pakistan’s thriving gaming sector, offering immersive experiences for global audiences, Sky Technology & Innovations (UAV/Manufacturing) - A leader in UAV systems and advanced manufacturing technologies, Porter Pakistan (Travel-Tech) - Enhancing the travel experience with innovative tech solutions for seamless travel planning, InLights (Smart Cities) - Offering next-generation solutions for smart cities, from energy management to infrastructure optimization, BizB (Sustainable Fashion Tech) - Fusing fashion with sustainability through tech-driven, eco-friendly innovations, Ace Aeronautics (Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) - Innovating the future of UAS with cutting-edge designs and applications, and GrowUp Tech Solutions (Gaming/Health) - Leveraging gaming technologies to improve mental and physical health.

 “We are immensely proud of these startups, each representing the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit thriving in Pakistan. GITEX provided an incredible opportunity for them to showcase their solutions on a global stage, attract international investment, and form partnerships that could accelerate their growth.” 
Adeel Aijaz Shaikh, CEO Ignite    

Ignite remains committed to supporting high-impact, technology-driven startups that could contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth and strengthen its position in the global tech landscape.

Ignite - National Technology Fund hosted an insightful consultative session at NIC Islamabad, bringing together key stakeholders for upcoming Women Innovation and Startup Empowerment (WISE) Lab initiative. This initiative is designed to nurture innovation, equip women entrepreneurs with the necessary skills, and create an inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem in Pakistan. The session gathered representatives from donor organizations, the private and corporate sectors, and government institutions, all of whom shared their expertise and insights to maximize the program’s effectiveness. Discussions focused on addressing the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and identifying strategic solutions to ensure their success in the startup ecosystem.

Participants explored various ways to enhance the impact of the WISE Lab, emphasizing the importance of tailored capacity-building programs that would provide women-led startups with the knowledge and skills to scale their businesses. The conversation also highlighted the need for comprehensive support, including access to mentorship, funding opportunities, and market linkages. Additionally, stakeholders underscored the significance of regional representation, ensuring that women from all areas of Pakistan, including underserved regions, had access to the opportunities and resources needed for sustainable entrepreneurial growth. The collective efforts marked a significant step toward creating a robust support system for women entrepreneurs, enabling them to transform their ideas into thriving businesses.

Ignite - National Technology Fund hosted a dynamic consultative session at NIC Islamabad, laying the foundation for the upcoming K-12 Entrepreneurship Program. This pioneering initiative aimed to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among students, equipping them with the skills needed to excel in an increasingly competitive global economy.

The session brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including EdTech startups, educators, academic representatives, and entrepreneurship experts, all dedicated to shaping a comprehensive and impactful program. Through collaborative discussions, participants shared valuable insights and contributed key recommendations to ensure the program’s success.
The discussion focused on empowering students with entrepreneurial and critical thinking skills from an early age, designing innovative, student-centric curricula that inspire creativity & problem-solving, and building strong linkages among schools, startups, and industry leaders to provide hands-on learning opportunities.

By working together, the stakeholders paved the way for a future where young minds could transform ideas into impactful ventures, playing a vital role in Pakistan’s economic and social development.

Ignite - National Technology Fund held an engaging awareness seminar at the National Incubation Center (NIC) Islamabad, highlighting two key initiatives: Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF) and BridgeStart Pakistan. The event brought together private-sector leaders, venture capitalists, and innovation stakeholders, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to nurturing a thriving startup ecosystem. The seminar featured a keynote address by CEO Ignite, Adeel Aijaz Shaikh, who emphasized the transformative impact of PSF and BridgeStart in empowering startups and accelerating Pakistan’s entrepreneurial growth. A detailed presentation outlined the programs’ objectives, key benefits, and their role in driving innovation and economic development.

An interactive Q&A session allowed participants to engage in meaningful discussions about application processes, startup support mechanisms, and the future of Pakistan’s innovation landscape. By hosting such initiatives, Ignite reaffirms its mission to cultivate a collaborative startup ecosystem and position Pakistan as a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Ignite National Technology Fund, a public sector company under the Ministry of IT & Telecom, reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship by participating in the EdTech Pakistan Conference 2024. The event, held at the Pak-China Friendship Center, brought together industry leaders, decision-makers, and investors from across the country.

Ignite showcased six dynamic edtech startups from its National Incubation Centers (NICs), highlighting transformative solutions poised to revolutionize Pakistan’s education landscape. The showcased startups included  AFLAK (National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies, NICAT), Stellar Scholar (National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies, NICAT), Edversity (NIC Islamabad), Oxbridge Innovative Solutions (NIC Islamabad), The Tuitionist (NIC Islamabad), and STEMverse (NIC Peshawar). 

“At Ignite, we are committed to supporting innovative startups that address critical challenges in education. The EdTech Pakistan Conference provided an exceptional opportunity for our startups to showcase their capabilities, form strategic partnerships, and contribute to a tech-driven future for education in Pakistan.” Adeel Aijaz Shaikh, CEO Ignite

The EdTech Pakistan Conference 2024, provided a strategic platform for these startups to gain visibility & attract potential partners. Ignite’s participation positioned its startups at the forefront of Pakistan's rapidly evolving edtech sector, reinforcing their role as early movers shaping the future of education through innovation and technology.

Ignite – National Technology Fund, under the Ministry of IT & Telecom, proudly showcased Ignite’s NIC Program promising TravelTech startups at Pakistan Travel Mart (PTM) 2025, the country’s premier tourism and travel exhibition. The event brought together industry leaders, investors, and travel enthusiasts, providing an invaluable platform for Ignite supported startups to display their groundbreaking innovations.

Pakistan Travel Mart 2025 served as a gateway for Pakistani startups to explore new opportunities, forge strategic partnerships, and gain exposure to a global audience. The Ignite pavilion featured TravelTech solutions aimed at revolutionizing tourism, enhancing traveler experiences, and streamlining industry operations through AI, blockchain, AR/VR, and data-driven insights. The participating startups included TealTrip, Chaloo, Dastaan Tours, Super Butler.ai and Ticket Wall.

“Travel and tourism are crucial to Pakistan’s economic growth, and our startups are leveraging cutting-edge technology to redefine the industry. PTM 2025 provided a fantastic opportunity for our entrepreneurs to showcase their potential, attract investment, and contribute to a more digital and sustainable tourism ecosystem”, Adeel Aijaz Shaikh, CEO Ignite

Ignite remains committed to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting startups that drive economic development and global competitiveness.

Ignite’s National Incubation Center Lahore (NICL) at Vogue Tower celebrated a significant milestone with its exclusive soft launch, marking a transformative step forward in Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape. The event, which brought together key stakeholders, industry experts, and visionary startups, underscored Ignite’s commitment to nurturing innovation and fostering Pakistan’s startup ecosystem.

"NICL will be a catalyst for growth, providing startups with the resources, mentorship, and partnerships they need to thrive. Our vision for the future of innovation is focused on empowering entrepreneurs to reach their full potential and transform their ideas into impactful ventures."
 Adeel Aijaz Shaikh, CEO Ignite

The event featured insightful contributions from consortium partners such as HBL, Netsol, and BNU, who shared their expertise and discussed future collaboration opportunities. Startups in attendance had the chance to explore strategic partnerships and take significant strides toward scaling their businesses to unicorn status. Supported by the Ministry of IT & Telecom, Ignite National Technology Fund is on a mission to transform groundbreaking ideas into impactful ventures. 

Cobblers Cartel, a distinguished shoe brand and proud alumnus of NIC Peshawar, achieved a remarkable milestone by securing an investment deal worth PKR 8.5 million on Shark Tank Pakistan. The agreement included 20% equity alongside an 80% royalty structure, reflecting the confidence investors have in the brand's potential. The brand captivated the panel with its innovative approach to the footwear industry, seamlessly blending contemporary design with premium craftsmanship to cater to modern consumer demands.

This landmark deal not only provides Cobblers Cartel with essential capital but also unlocks access to invaluable mentorship and strategic guidance, positioning the brand for exponential growth and success in the competitive footwear market.

Emaan Danish Khan, founder of Earth Warriorz Pakistan, made a remarkable impact at COP29 Azerbaijan, showcasing Pakistan’s commitment to climate action. She had the honor of meeting Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, introducing ‘Earth Warriorz’ mission of driving climate awareness and youth-led initiatives. 

At the Pakistan Pavilion, she led a high-level session with COMSATS, uniting global thought leaders to explore climate solutions. Her influence extended further through an exclusive Sky News interview, where she highlighted Earth Warriorz’ role in tackling climate challenges. She also engaged with Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam , Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change & Environmental Coordination and global organizations like Plant-for-the-Planet Foundation. 

Emaan’s journey at COP29 reflects the growing presence of young Pakistani leaders in global climate discussions, proving that NIC incubated startups like Earth Warriorz Pakistan are shaping a sustainable future.

Pak Bio Energy turned heads on Shark Tank Pakistan by pitching their eco-friendly biomass pellets, designed to lower carbon emissions and power industries sustainably. Their innovative solution addresses pressing environmental challenges while ensuring energy efficiency for diverse sectors. The founders secured PKR 4 crore for 25% equity and 5% royalty from Junaid Iqbal, underscoring the potential of clean energy innovation. This milestone not only propels Pak Bio Energy to the forefront of sustainable energy solutions but also ignites a powerful movement, redefining how Pakistan embraces its renewable future.

NIC Faisalabad startup Yumkins, dedicated to delivering innovative and premium baby food solutions, achieved significant recognition for its commitment to quality and innovation. Yumkins was awarded first place at the INVENT 2024 competition, a testament to its creative approach and impactful product development in the baby food sector. Building on this success, Yumkins secured the runner-up position at the NutriBiz 2024 SME Innovation Challenge further validating its contributions to the food industry. These achievements not only reflect Yumkins’ dedication to addressing market needs but also highlight its focus on providing nutritious, sustainable, and high-quality solutions for young families. This quarter marked an important milestone in Yumkins’ journey of growth and industry recognition.

MottoVest, Pakistan’s trailblazing startup behind the country’s first biker safety airbag, is revolutionizing road safety. The startup secured a remarkable Rs. 3 crore investment on Shark Tank Pakistan, showcasing its innovation and potential. Adding to its accolades, MottoVest won the prestigious Digital Prosperity Award in the Empowering Society – Ethics category for its dedication to societal betterment. As it prepares for an international fundraising round in Jordan, MottoVest is setting new benchmarks for impact-driven innovation in Pakistan and beyond.

Visuar Solutions, National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies (NICAT) incubated startup, proudly represented Pakistan on an international stage at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards (APICTA) held in Brunei. The startup won two prestigious awards: The People's Choice Award and the Student Best Project Award, competing against top innovators from 15+ countries.

The award-winning project utilizes Augmented Reality (AR), Computer Vision, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to simplify complex processes and create interactive, user-friendly solutions. This recognition not only validates Visuar Solutions' innovation but also highlights NICAT's role in nurturing impactful startups.

With this milestone, Visuar Solutions is committed to driving technological advancements and making Pakistan proud globally.

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