Looking for funding to kickstart your startup dream in Pakistan? You’re not alone and the good news is, help does exist.
Pakistan’s startup scene is growing fast, and in 2025, there are more government funding opportunities than ever before. Whether you’re building the next big thing in tech, fintech, agriculture, healthcare, or the creative space, public support is finally catching up with the innovation happening on the ground.
From government-backed grants and youth loan schemes to university-led funds focused on commercialization, you’ll find options here that don’t take equity just a solid idea and commitment to grow.
This guide rounds up only the verified, active government programs that are currently offering seed grants, soft loans, or non-equity support all grouped clearly so you can find what fits your startup’s needs and stage.
1- Ignite – National Technology Fund
Ignite operates under the Ministry of IT & Telecom and supports innovation through a network of National Incubation Centers (NICs) in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta. Startups selected for incubation receive seed grants, free office space, mentorship, and connections to potential investors. The focus is on high-growth tech ideas, and the program is a strong gateway for early traction.
2- HEC – Technology Development Fund
The Higher Education Commission’s Technology Development Fund is tailored for university-led startups or projects with strong academic collaboration. It supports the commercialization of tech-based research and offers grants up to PKR 14 million. Startups must be connected to a university or a recognized R&D institution, making this ideal for founders coming from academic backgrounds.
3- Karandaaz Innovation Challenge
Karandaaz is a donor-funded initiative supported by UK Aid and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with a strong focus on financial inclusion and women-led startups. Through its Innovation Challenge, Karandaaz periodically invites applications from fintechs and social enterprises, offering substantial non-repayable grants to promising ideas that align with national development goals.
4- SMEDA – Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority
SMEDA works under the Ministry of Industries & Production and offers technical guidance, business planning support, and access to subsidized loans for SMEs. While SMEDA itself doesn’t offer direct grants, it plays a key facilitation role for schemes like the Prime Minister’s Youth Business & Agriculture Loan Scheme (PMYBALS). This is ideal for small-scale startups looking for low-interest loans and professional guidance.
5- Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB)
PITB runs several flagship startup programs including the Plan9 Incubator and PlanX Accelerator, both of which provide grants, mentorship, workspace, and pitch opportunities to local startups. In addition, PITB manages eRozgaar centers across Punjab, providing digital skills training and freelancing support. These initiatives have helped hundreds of founders kickstart their entrepreneurial journey without external capital.
6- Durshal by KPITB
An initiative of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IT Board (KPITB), Durshal offers a network of tech incubation centers across the province. Selected startups receive financial support, co-working space, mentorship, and help navigating early-stage hurdles. The program aims to boost digital entrepreneurship in KP and decentralize opportunities beyond major urban hubs.
| Program | Type of Support | Funding Amount | Focus Area | Eligibility |
| Ignite – NICs | Grants, incubation, mentorship | Seed-level | Tech, innovation, digital startups | Early-stage startups |
| HEC – TDF | Grants for commercialization | Up to PKR 14 million | University-led innovation | Academic/startup collaborations |
| Karandaaz Innovation | Grants through challenges | Varies by challenge | Fintech, women-led, social ventures | Startups aligned with themes |
| SMEDA / PMYBALS | Soft loans, support | Up to PKR 7.5 million | SMEs, youth entrepreneurs | Citizens aged 21–45 |
| PITB – Plan9 & PlanX | Incubation, grants, access to capital | Incubation support | Tech startups in Punjab | Early/mid-stage tech startups |
| Durshal by KPITB | Incubation, grants, office space | Incubation support | KP-based tech startups | Startups in KP |
Government funding in Pakistan is no longer limited to red tape and outdated models. In 2025, startups across all sectors can access real, tangible support through a growing number of well-structured public programs. Whether you’re based in Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi, or a smaller city there’s likely a government-backed initiative designed to help you get started.