Pakistan has approved a landmark Youth Startup Fund worth PKR 25 billion, marking the largest government-backed initiative to support young entrepreneurs and innovators. The fund—announced after months of consultation with private accelerators, venture capital firms, and digital-economy experts—aims to give early-stage founders easier access to capital, mentorship, and global market exposure.
According to the Ministry of IT & Telecom, the program will cover key sectors including e-commerce, agri-tech, health-tech, mobility, fintech, climate innovation, and AI-driven startups. Entrepreneurs between the ages of 18–35 can apply for interest-free seed funding ranging from PKR 1 to 10 million, depending on the project’s scalability and market potential.
Incubators such as NIC Karachi and Plan9 Lahore will partner with the government to handle screening, training, and investor matchmaking processes. A separate platform will monitor startup performance in real time using data dashboards, ensuring transparency in funding usage.
Industry players have welcomed the decision, noting that Pakistan’s startup ecosystem has struggled with consistent capital inflow, especially during global economic slowdown and declining foreign investment. By introducing this fund, the government hopes to revive entrepreneurial confidence and position Pakistan as a competitive startup hub in South Asia.
If executed well, experts predict the fund could generate thousands of jobs, attract foreign investors, and help Pakistan unlock its digital-economy potential over the next 3 years.
