Ignite, the National Technology Fund operating under the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, has invited Pakistani tech startups to apply for the Prime Minister’s Cloud Program for Startups, a national initiative focused on accelerating startup growth through cloud adoption and cost optimization. The program aims to support startups by reducing infrastructure expenses while enabling them to scale their digital operations more efficiently.
Under the initiative, selected startups can receive reimbursement of up to 60 percent of their cloud service costs, with the exact amount determined by the startup’s development stage and approved tier. The one-year program is designed to strengthen Pakistan’s digital startup ecosystem by helping startups adopt, optimize, and expand their cloud infrastructure in a sustainable manner.
In addition to financial support, the program offers expert guidance on cloud architecture, service selection, and cost management. Participating startups will also benefit from increased ecosystem exposure through program-led activities and collaboration opportunities with leading cloud service providers, helping them connect with industry stakeholders and potential partners.
The Prime Minister’s Cloud Program for Startups is open to Pakistani tech startups at early deployment or scaling stages that offer technology-based products or services. Eligible startups must either already be using cloud infrastructure or have plans to adopt it, along with a clear business case for cloud usage and demonstrated growth potential.
According to the program framework, startups will be selected through a competitive online application process. Successful applicants will receive a formal offer detailing their assigned tier, cloud credit limit, and agreed performance indicators, including targets related to user growth, revenue, and key milestones.
Under the reimbursement mechanism, startups will initially pay for cloud services using their own funds and later submit verified invoices to claim reimbursements in accordance with the approved terms and conditions. This approach is intended to encourage responsible cloud usage while supporting long-term scalability and innovation within Pakistan’s startup ecosystem.
