Quantum Valley Pakistan launched with Cambridge Innovation Center and Plug and Play agreements
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the initiative aims to connect young Pakistanis and startups with global technology hubs.
Source: Business Recorder · 16 September 2026, 8:16 pm
The government launched Quantum Valley Pakistan in Islamabad on Wednesday, with Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal describing it as the start of a new direction towards a technology and innovation-driven economy.
Two agreements were signed at the ceremony: one with the Cambridge Innovation Center, represented by its chief executive Tim Rowe and partner Dougan Sherwood, and one with Plug and Play, represented by managing partner Seena Amidi. Both are intended to build technology partnerships and support the country's innovation ecosystem.
Iqbal said Quantum Valley Pakistan would link young Pakistanis with international innovation centres and open new opportunities for startups and high-tech businesses.
He noted that nearly 60% of Pakistan's population is young and restated the government's targets of a $1 trillion economy by 2035, a $3 trillion economy by 2047 and $100 billion in exports by 2035, calling the first target difficult but achievable.
The minister recalled the national centres set up in 2017 in fields including artificial intelligence, big data and cloud computing, cyber security, robotics and space technology, and said the effort had been expanded under URAAN Pakistan in 2024.