The Reckitt Catalyst program is opening new doors for women-led startups in Pakistan focused on health, hygiene, and sanitation. Launched by Reckitt, a global leader in consumer health and hygiene products, this five-year initiative aims to support 200 women-led ventures addressing health-related challenges across the Global South.
Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open, and startups in Pakistan are eligible.
What Is the Reckitt Catalyst Program?
The Reckitt Catalyst is a global accelerator and funding program for early-stage, impact-driven startups led by women or underrepresented founders. The focus is on health innovation, including access to healthcare, hygiene education, clean water, and sanitation solutions.
The program was officially launched at the Cannes Lions Festival 2025, where tennis icon and entrepreneur Serena Williams was announced as the program’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence. The initiative is supported by implementation partners including Yunus Social Business and the Health Innovation Exchange.
Over the next five years, Reckitt aims to support at least 200 startups across Africa, South Asia, and Latin America, reaching over 5 million people through funded, community-based innovation.
What Kind of Startups Should Apply?
The program is designed for startups that:
- Are led by women or underrepresented entrepreneurs
- Are working on health, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), or hygiene education
- Are beyond the ideation stage (with a product/service in-market or piloted)
- Have measurable social or community impact
- Operate in one of the eligible regions, including Pakistan
Reckitt has identified Pakistan as one of its priority markets for this initiative, especially in light of the country’s ongoing challenges with access to clean water, preventive healthcare, and hygiene literacy.
As sectors like health innovation gain traction, others such as EV infrastructure are also seeing a startup-led transformation in Pakistan’s economy.
What Does the Program Offer?
Selected startups will receive:
- Up to $30,000 in flexible funding
- A six-month accelerator program with training, mentorship, and impact strategy development
- Access to Reckitt’s global network, including potential partnerships with health-sector stakeholders
- Long-term support to help scale solutions in local and international markets
The program also includes visibility opportunities with global mentors, and select ventures may receive support through public procurement channels or multilateral organizations.
Many women-led startups begin their journey with accelerators like NIC Islamabad, building the credibility and exposure needed to access global programs like Reckitt Catalyst.
Timeline & Application
Applications are now open for the Asia region, which includes Pakistan. The deadline to apply is:
August 10, 2025
Startups will be shortlisted for interviews, and final selections will join the Catalyst Accelerator in October 2025.
Why It Matters for Pakistan
Pakistan is home to a growing ecosystem of women-led startups, many of which are tackling health access, hygiene equity, and WASH challenges at the grassroots level. Yet historically, such initiatives have lacked access to patient capital, international visibility, and structured mentorship.
The Reckitt Catalyst program offers a rare blend of all three and could serve as a launchpad for Pakistani startups looking to expand their impact.Case studies like Dastgyr’s product evolution show how a clear understanding of local market needs can fuel scalable impact, something Catalyst applicants must also demonstrate.
FAQ
Women-led or underrepresented startups working in health, hygiene, or WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) innovation, operating in countries like Pakistan, are eligible. Startups should be post-ideation and already in the market or piloting their solution.
Selected ventures receive up to $30,000 in flexible funding, access to a 6-month accelerator with expert mentorship, networking opportunities, and visibility through global health and investment platforms.
Applications are currently open, and the deadline for startups in the Asia region (including Pakistan) is August 10, 2025.
