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:
- VCs register on MOITT Registration Page
- After due diligence, whitelisted VCs can apply on behalf of startups via https://startupfund.gov.pk
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:
- Apply on F6S: https://www.celocamp.com/
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:
- Apply Here: https://www.f6s.com/finance-accounting-expo-and-pitch-comp/apply
- Organizer Info: https://cfoleadership.com/fate/pitch-stage/
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:
- Apply via Simed Portal: https://fundsforcompanies.fundsforngos.org/events/simed-open-call-for-projects-in-proptech-contech-and-fintech/
- Official Info Page: https://simed.fycma.com/en
- Deadline: August 31, 2025
Program | Deadline | Support Offered | Eligible Startups |
Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF) | Ongoing | 10–30% of VC round (up to $300K) | VC-backed Pakistani startups |
Ignite NICs | August 2025 | ~PKR 2M seed + incubation | Early-stage tech startups |
Pakistan Innovation Fund (PIF) | August 2025 (est.) | PKR 5M–20M | Impact/innovation-led startups |
Reckitt Catalyst | August 10, 2025 | US$30K + 6-month accelerator | Women-led health & WASH startups |
UNICEF Venture Fund | Rolling (Aug focus) | Up to US$100K equity-free grants | Tech-for-impact startups |
Excite Lab | August 7, 2025 | Equity-free accelerator | AI, robotics, IoT, deep-tech founders |
Celo Camp | August 15, 2025 | Blockchain grants + ecosystem access | Blockchain, DeFi, and Web3 startups |
FATE Pitch Stage | August 15, 2025 | Pitching platform for fintech | Fintech, accounting, SaaS for CFOs |
Simed Open Call | August 31, 2025 | Expo access & European investor exposure | PropTech, ConTech, and smart infrastructure |
FAQ
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.
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.
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.