Ignite to launch women’s innovation and startup lab

The Ignite National Technology Fund of the Ministry of IT and Telecom has launched a new programme to support women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. As part of this strategy, 

Notably, Ignite will establish a Women’s Innovation and Startup Empowerment Lab, which will be the first facility to support women-led startups and innovation.

Reportedly l, the lab will have capacity for up to 20 startups at a time and will give access to mentoring, training for startups and business support. 

With a footprint of 8,000 to 10,000 sq. ft., the lab will be a central hub for women innovators across Pakistan. Ignite has already issued a call for applications from companies interested in establishing and managing the facility.

The target is to train 200 micro-entrepreneur women a year in physical boot camps in provinces, GB and AJK, to accommodate access to women technology innovators. An Investor Summit each year to connect identified women-led startups with investors.

In support of women, at least five startups will be eligible for grants of up to Rs. 2 million a year and will have training for digital literacy, project planning, business strategy, marketing and investor readiness.

Moreover, women make up only 24.5% of Pakistan’s labour force, with just 1% working as entrepreneurs. The initiative comes at a time when Pakistan ranks 145th in the Global Gender Gap Report, highlighting the urgent need for gender-inclusive opportunities.