Are you building an AgriTech startup in Pakistan?

Whether you’re launching a farm-to-fork marketplace, designing climate-resilient irrigation systems, or developing AI tools for precision farming, AgriTech Startups like yours now have the perfect opportunity to make a real impact.or.

AgriTech is projected to be a $7 billion opportunity in Pakistan by 2030. And with agriculture contributing over 19% to the national GDP and employing 38% of the workforce, innovation in this space isn’t just a trend, it’s a necessity.

The good news?
Millions in funding, grants, and acceleration support are available for startups solving real problems in agri-supply chains, smart farming, and food security.
The challenge?
Most founders don’t know where to look or how to apply.

This guide curates active grant programs, accelerators, pitch competitions, and institutional initiatives tailored specifically for AgriTech innovators like you. If you’re ready to take your solution from farm field to national scale, you’re in the right place.

Grants You Can Apply For

Fuel your AgriTech journey without giving up equity.

Grants are a powerful way to build, test, and scale your solution especially in a sector like agriculture, where impact matters just as much as innovation. Here are some active and recurring grant opportunities that AgriTech founders in Pakistan should keep on their radar:

1. Punjab Agriculture Research Board (PARB) Innovation Grants

Grant Size: Up to PKR 10 million
Focus: Applied research and innovation in crop productivity, water efficiency, and agri-mechanization
Who Can Apply: Startups working in partnership with research institutions or farmer cooperatives in Punjab
Pro Tip: Pair your tech solution with academic or field data to strengthen your application.

2. USAID Pakistan Agriculture Market Systems Activity (AMSA)

Grant Size: Variable, often up to $100,000
Focus: Innovations that improve agricultural market linkages, post-harvest handling, or financial inclusion for smallholders
Who Can Apply: Private sector startups or SMEs with market-ready solutions
Pro Tip: Highlight how your solution empowers women or rural communities this adds major value in donor evaluations.

3. Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) Competitive Grants

Grant Size: Varies by project (AUD 50,000 to AUD 500,000+)
Focus: Climate-smart agriculture, sustainable livestock systems, and smallholder productivity
Who Can Apply: Startups partnered with universities or NGOs in South Asia
Pro Tip: This one often requires a cross-border or regional angle. Collaborate with academic partners to access this stream.

4. FAO Pakistan Innovation Grants

Grant Size: Typically up to $50,000
Focus: Tech-enabled agri solutions tackling food insecurity, digital extension services, or agri-climate resilience
Who Can Apply: Startups, nonprofits, or academic spinouts
Pro Tip: A strong impact story can set you apart. Quantify how many farmers your solution can benefit.

5. Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Innovation Funding

Grant Size: Up to PKR 5–10 million
Focus: Agri-biotech, seed innovation, mechanization, irrigation technologies
Who Can Apply: Pakistani AgriTech startups or innovators with viable prototypes
Pro Tip: This is perfect for startups working on local production of agri inputs or reducing import dependence.

Accelerators for Agritech

Accelerators offer far more than cash: they help AgriTech startups validate, refine, and scale faster through guided programs, expert mentors, and investor exposure. Here are some of the most relevant accelerators that actively support AgriTech ventures in Pakistan and the wider region:

1. National Incubation Center (NIC)  Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta 

Program Duration: 6 months
Funding: Equity-free incubation (with potential investor connections)
Focus: Tech-enabled startups, including AgriTech, ClimateTech, and AI in agriculture
Why it matters:
NICs are among the most well-resourced and high-visibility incubators in Pakistan. 

2. SAF Ventures – AgriTech Cohort (LUMS, Lahore)

Program Duration: 4 months
Funding: Up to PKR 1 million in grant + mentorship
Focus: Scalable solutions in agriculture, livestock, and food supply chains
Why it matters:
SAF Ventures partners with LUMS and industry leaders to support founders building deep AgriTech solutions.
  Access to agri researchers and labs
  Exposure to commercial farmers
  Pilot opportunities with real-world partners
Pro Tip: If your startup is B2B or working on precision agri tools, this cohort is ideal.

3. Karandaaz Pakistan Green Growth Accelerator (GGA)

Program Duration: 6 months
Funding: Customized support + pilot funding
Focus: Climate-smart and sustainable AgriTech businesses
Why it matters:
Karandaaz is known for supporting data-driven, impact-focused enterprises. Their accelerator works closely with:
  ClimateTech and water-efficient technologies
  Financial inclusion for farmers
  Off-grid irrigation and energy solutions
Pro Tip: Strong ESG alignment (environmental, social, governance) boosts your chances.

4. World Bank x Ignite – AgriTech Challenge Fund

Program Duration: Variable (challenge-based)
Funding: Grants + acceleration support
Focus: Disruptive agri innovations improving productivity, sustainability, or market linkages
Why it matters:
This program seeks bold, scalable ideas with the potential for large-scale adoption.
✅ Seed funding + technical mentorship
✅ Potential scale through government collaborations
✅ Support for Agri AI, data dashboards, mechanization
Pro Tip: Demonstrate potential for 10x impact in yield, farmer income, or sustainability.

5. GSMA Innovation Fund – AgriTech Track

Program Duration: 6–9 months
Funding: Up to £250,000
Focus: Mobile innovation in agriculture (e.g., agri-fintech, market access, advisory services)
Why it matters:
Global accelerator with strong focus on digital inclusion in developing markets. Ideal for startups working with:
✅ SMS/USSD platforms
✅ Farmer data tools
✅ Agri-credit solutions
Pro Tip: If you have a working mobile app or B2B partnerships with telcos or microfinance institutions, apply here. 

Competitions Worth Entering

Pitch, compete, win and more importantly, get discovered.

AgriTech startups solving real-world challenges in food, farming, or climate resilience can significantly benefit from national and international startup competitions. These aren’t just about prize money they’re platforms for exposure, feedback, investor visibility, and credibility in front of key stakeholders.

1. Pakistan Startup Cup AgriTech Track

Organized by: TiE Islamabad in collaboration with U.S. Embassy
Prize: Cash awards up to PKR 2 million
Why it matters:
One of Pakistan’s biggest startup competitions with separate tracks for sectors like AgriTech, FinTech, and Health.
✅ 6-month mentorship program
✅ National-level recognition
✅ Open to early- and growth-stage startups
Pro Tip: Bring real metrics. Even small-scale farmer adoption, revenue, or pilot results impress judges.

2. Hult Prize Food for Good Challenge

Organized by: Hult International Business School (Global)
Prize: USD $1 million
Why it matters:
The most prestigious social entrepreneurship competition for students. Previous AgriTech winners have built vertical farms, cold chains, and agri-education tools.
✅ Open to university students and recent grads
✅ Global exposure + accelerator access
✅ Bootcamps, mentorship, and pitch rounds across cities
Pro Tip: Your pitch must highlight impact at scale and sustainability, not just profit.

3. National Innovation Awards Agri Innovation Category

Organized by: Ministry of Science & Technology, Pakistan
Prize: Up to PKR 500,000 + recognition at national tech events
Why it matters:
This award is meant to highlight Pakistan-grown innovations in technology, especially Agri and Climate.
✅ Backed by government
✅ Promotes R&D-based startups
✅ Opportunity to network with public sector decision-makers
Pro Tip: Focus on how your startup contributes to national challenges like water scarcity or food security.

4. She Loves Tech – Women-led Agri Startups Track

Organized by: CIRCLE Women & She Loves Tech Global
Prize: Accelerator admission + exposure to global investors
Why it matters:
If your AgriTech startup is women-led or directly impacts women in agriculture, this is the stage for you.
✅ Global finals held in Singapore
✅ Strong mentor network
✅ Women-specific funding opportunities
Pro Tip: Clearly explain how your solution improves the lives of women farmers or women in agri-supply chains.

5. Foodtech Challenge (UAE-based)

Organized by: UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment
Prize: USD $2 million in prizes and business setup in UAE
Why it matters:
This is an international challenge with real scale, focused on solving global food security problems. Pakistani AgriTech founders are eligible.
✅ Funding + support to scale in UAE
✅ Connects with global food innovation networks
✅ Ideal for startups in hydroponics, AI-powered crop tech, cold chain, etc.
Pro Tip: Emphasize your scalability beyond Pakistan and unique tech advantage

Why Enter Startup Competitions?

• Validate your idea in front of real experts
  
• Gain visibility for media and investors
  
• Win funding without giving equity
  
• Build public trust and traction

Conclusion

The global push for sustainable agriculture has opened unprecedented doors for AgriTech innovators and Pakistani startups are no exception. Whether your solution tackles climate resilience, boosts crop yields, or streamlines farm-to-market logistics, the right funding can be the catalyst that transforms your idea into lasting impact. These opportunities won’t stay open forever, and competition is fierce. Act now, craft a strong application, and position your startup at the forefront of the agricultural revolution. The future of farming is changing make sure you’re part of the change.

FAQ