A group of diverse startup founders in a modern coworking space celebrating a funding announcement, with grant application charts and laptops visible.

Your Startup’s Big Break: Apply Now for Pakistan’s Top Grants Before Time Runs Out

Unlock Government Grants & Accelerator Capital for Pakistani Startups in August 2025

Funding windows are closing fast — here’s your chance to secure the capital your Pakistani Startup’s growth needs before the deadlines hit.

Pakistan’s Startup’s ecosystem is rapidly growing, and August 2025 brings with it a fresh wave of grant opportunities, accelerator programs, and non-dilutive funding aimed at high-impact ventures in tech, health, fintech, blockchain, and more.

Whether you’re a Startup’s founder, VC, or ecosystem enabler, here’s a curated breakdown of government-backed and international funding programs, complete with provider details, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and links to apply.

Government-Backed Startup Programs in Pakistan 

1. Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF); Ministry of IT & Telecom (MOITT) 

About the Organization:
The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MOITT) launched PSF to provide equity free, non-dilutive funding to VC backed startup’s in Pakistan. It helps close the final funding gap in active investment rounds. Learn more about the process in PSF 2025 Explained.

What You Get:
Grants covering 10% to 30% of your total VC backed funding round (up to USD $300,000 per round). 

How to Apply: 

Deadline: Ongoing, aligned with VC funding rounds (check monthly cycles) 

2. Ignite; National Incubation Centers (NICs) 

About the Organization:
Ignite is a government owned company under MOITT that funds NICs across Pakistan to incubate and accelerate early stage tech startup’s. 

What You Get: 

  • Seed grants (PKR 2 million) 
  • Incubation, mentorship, coworking, investor access 

How to Apply:
Apply through the NIC in your city via: https://ignite.org.pk/

Deadline: Rolling (Next intake expected August 2025) 

3. Pakistan Innovation Fund (PIF); Planning Commission 

About the Organization:
PIF is a Rs 10 billion fund managed by the Planning Commission of Pakistan to support innovation led economic growth in priority sectors. 

What You Get: 

  • Seed grants from PKR 5M to 20M 
  • Ideal for edtech, Agri-Tech, health, women entrepreneurship, and governance tech startups 

How to Apply:
Apply via https://pc.gov.pk/uploads/youth/Proposal_Form_for_PIF_Grant.pdf

Deadline: Expected in August 2025  

4. Reckitt Catalyst; Women’s Health Accelerator 

About the Organization:
Reckitt is a global leader in consumer health and hygiene. This accelerator, supported by Yunus Social Business, funds health startup’s led by women in the Global South, including Pakistan. 

What You Get: 

  • Up to US$30,000 in flexible grants 
  • 6-month accelerator program with mentorship and global exposure 

How to Apply:
https://andpurpose.world/reckitt-catalyst-2025-cohort/

Deadline: August 10, 2025 

5. UNICEF Venture Fund (Innovation Fund) 

About the Organization:
UNICEF’s global Innovation Fund invests in early stage frontier tech that improves child welfare (health, WASH, education, etc.). 

What You Get: 

  • Equity-free grants up to US$100,000 
  • Investment and support for AI, blockchain, and data science driven social ventures.

How to Apply:
Apply via: https://www.unicefventurefund.org/

Deadline: Rolling, but August 2025 calls expected  

International Programs Open to Pakistani Startups 

6. Celo Camp; Blockchain & Web3 Incubation (Batch 10) 

About the Organization:
Celo Foundation supports global inclusive finance using mobile first, carbon negative blockchain technology. 

What You Get: 

  • Grants and stablecoin rewards 
  • Access to mentors, investors, and Celo ecosystem 

How to Apply:  

Deadline: August 15, 2025 

7. FATE Pitch Stage; Powered by CFO Leadership Council 

About the Organization:
FATE is backed by the CFO Leadership Council, offering capital raising support to fintech, accounting, and CFO focused SaaS startups. 

What You Get: 

  • Investor pitching opportunities 
  • Global finance branding and network visibility 

How to Apply: 

Deadline: August 15, 2025 

8. Simed Innovation Zone; Open Call for Projects 

About the Organization:
SIMED is hosted by FYCMA (Spain’s Trade Fair and Congress Center), offering opportunities for PropTech and smart city innovators. 

What You Get: 

  • Exhibition booth and investor access in Europe.
  • Innovation showcases in real estate and infrastructure.

How to Apply: 

ProgramDeadlineSupport OfferedEligible Startups
Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF)Ongoing10–30% of VC round (up to $300K)VC-backed Pakistani startups
Ignite NICsAugust 2025~PKR 2M seed + incubationEarly-stage tech startups
Pakistan Innovation Fund (PIF)August 2025 (est.)PKR 5M–20MImpact/innovation-led startups
Reckitt CatalystAugust 10, 2025US$30K + 6-month acceleratorWomen-led health & WASH startups
UNICEF Venture FundRolling (Aug focus)Up to US$100K equity-free grantsTech-for-impact startups
Excite LabAugust 7, 2025Equity-free acceleratorAI, robotics, IoT, deep-tech founders
Celo CampAugust 15, 2025Blockchain grants + ecosystem accessBlockchain, DeFi, and Web3 startups
FATE Pitch StageAugust 15, 2025Pitching platform for fintechFintech, accounting, SaaS for CFOs
Simed Open CallAugust 31, 2025Expo access & European investor exposurePropTech, ConTech, and smart infrastructure

FAQ

1). Can Pakistani startup’s apply to international programs like Celo Camp or Excite Lab?

Yes. Most of these international accelerators and grant programs are open to global applicants, including startups from Pakistan. You just need to meet the eligibility criteria and demonstrate strong potential or traction in your target market.

2). Do these programs require equity in exchange for support or funding?

It depends on the program. Programs like Celo Camp, UNICEF Venture Fund, and Reckitt Catalyst offer equity-free grants or prizes. Accelerators like Excite Lab may offer non-dilutive support but could also negotiate investment options separately.
Always read the terms on the application page or reach out to program organizers for clarity.

3). What are the benefits of joining an international accelerator as a Pakistani founder?

Joining an international program offers:

  • Access to global mentors, investors, and customers
  • Exposure to new markets and funding networks

Enhanced credibility and visibility for your startup, These accelerators also provide technical support, business development guidance, and pitch opportunities to help you scale faster.