FirstNarration
Pakistan has formally inaugurated The Innovation Hive, a new platform designed to connect Pakistani entrepreneurs and startups with the United States market, investors and mentorship opportunities.
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja inaugurated the initiative established by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP).
US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker, STEPI Pakistan CEO Dr Mazhar H Qureshi and USEFP Alumni Affairs Director Mazhar Awan were among those attending the ceremony.
Innovation Hive to Connect Pakistani Entrepreneurs With US Market
The Innovation Hive is intended to function as a bridge between Pakistan's entrepreneurial ecosystem and opportunities in the United States.
Speaking at the inauguration, Shaza Fatima said the initiative would provide Pakistani entrepreneurs with direct access to the US market and investors without requiring them to leave Pakistan.
She said the platform would also create broader opportunities for young people and help connect Pakistani talent with international networks.
More Than 250 US Mentors Expected in First Year
According to Natalie Baker, the Innovation Hive plans to connect more than 250 American mentors with Pakistani entrepreneurs during its first year.
The US government will also invest in supporting selected Pakistani entrepreneurs, according to the report.
The initiative is expected to support entrepreneurs at different stages of development by providing access to mentorship, international networks and potential market opportunities.
Pakistan Highlights Growing Startup Ecosystem
At the ceremony, Shaza Fatima also highlighted figures related to Pakistan's startup economy.
She said the combined enterprise value of Pakistan's venture capital-funded startups had exceeded $4 billion.
Pakistani startups raised $74.2 million in funding during 2025, according to figures cited by the minister. Funding for startups founded or co-founded by women increased from $5.5 million in 2024 to $10.1 million in 2025.
These figures were presented by the minister as evidence of the country's developing technology and startup ecosystem.
National Incubation Centres Have Supported Over 2,350 Startups
Shaza Fatima also outlined existing government-backed initiatives supporting technology companies and entrepreneurs.
According to the minister, nine National Incubation Centres operated through Ignite have supported more than 2,350 startups and created over 185,000 employment opportunities.
She also highlighted the Pakistan Startup Fund, which she said provides funding of up to 30 percent without the government taking equity.
The Special Technology Zones Authority, meanwhile, provides technology and artificial intelligence companies with 10-year tax and customs incentives, according to the report.
Pakistan-US Economic Links Highlighted
The inauguration was also used to highlight economic ties between Pakistan and the United States.
Shaza Fatima said the US accounted for around 20 percent of Pakistan's total exports during fiscal year 2025-26, making it Pakistan's largest export market.
She also said bilateral trade exceeded $8 billion in 2025.
The Innovation Hive is expected to build on those economic links by creating a permanent platform through which Pakistani entrepreneurs can access US mentors, investors, alumni networks and business opportunities.
For Pakistani startups, the initiative's impact will ultimately depend on how effectively these connections translate into mentorship, investment and access to international markets.
