Ignite — National Technology Fund · Ministry of IT & Telecommunication +92-51-9107441-4
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From idea to market-ready Product: SPARK funds the research, ELEVATE funds the scale-up.

PM SPARK backs high-risk, early-stage research at universities and research institutions. PM ELEVATE takes proven prototypes through validation, demonstration, and commercial readiness.

Apply on the portal Compare the programs

SPARK

For researchers turning ideas into working proof of concept

SPARK funds fundamental and applied research where the science is promising but unproven. Grants support multidisciplinary teams to move from concept/idea to validated functional prototype.

  • Technology stageTRL 1 – 5
  • Funding ceilingUp to Rs. 100 million
  • Primary applicantsUniversities & research institutions, StartUps, SME
  • Expected outcomesProof of concept, publications, IP
Apply to SPARK

ELEVATE

For teams taking a proven prototype toward the market

ELEVATE funds the hard middle of the innovation journey: validating technology in relevant and operational environments, and preparing for commercial deployment.

  • Technology stageTRL 6 – 8
  • Funding ceilingUp to Rs. 200 million
  • Primary applicantsStartups, industry & research consortia
  • Expected outcomesValidated systems, market readiness
Apply to ELEVATE

Who can apply ?

Program is open nationwide. Your entry point depends on where your technology stands today — the Technology Readiness Level of your work decides the program, not the type of organization alone.

Universities & research institutions

Faculty and research groups pursuing high-risk, high-gain research questions with a credible path to application. The natural home of SPARK proposals.

Startups & industry

Companies with a working prototype that needs validation, certification, or demonstration at scale before it can compete in the market. The core ELEVATE applicant.

Consortia

Academia–industry partnerships that combine research depth with commercialization capacity. Consortia are especially encouraged in ELEVATE.

How the application works ?

Applications are submitted and tracked entirely online through Ignite's Spark & Elevate Grant Management portal.

  1. Register on the portal

    Create an account and accept the program Terms & Conditions.

  2. Submit your proposal

    Complete the SPARK proposal form or the ELEVATE Project Concept Note.

  3. Screening

    Eligibility and completeness check against the program criteria.

  4. Expert evaluation

    Independent technical and commercial review by subject matter experts.

  5. Award & contracting

    Successful projects proceed to grant agreement and disbursement.

We're on the road

The Ignite team is running awareness sessions at universities and research institutions across Pakistan; 1–2-hour briefings for faculty, researchers, and startups on how SPARK and ELEVATE work and how to build a competitive proposal.

Want a session at your institution? Write to us, and we'll add you to the roadshow calendar.

Host a session
Email [email protected] with your institution's name, city, and expected audience size.

The portal is live. Your research could be next.

Registration takes a few minutes. Read the Terms & Conditions, pick your program, and start your application.

Go to the application portal