Pakistani startups dreaming of global scale may soon get a structured push from the state. IT Minister Umer Saif has announced BridgeStart, a program designed to help 100 startups every year join any of the top 40 startup programs in the world, the incubators and accelerators that help young companies grow faster. The program takes inspiration from the success stories of startups that went through famous programs such as YCombinator and 500 Startups. Its goal is to remove the resource barrier that keeps promising Pakistani founders from accessing advanced ecosystems, mentorship and funding networks abroad. Startups that qualify will receive up to Rs 5 million to cover their expenses, including travel and living costs while they take part in these international programs. The idea is to let founders focus on growth instead of worrying about how to afford the journey. The minister framed the initiative as a way to plug Pakistani startups into more advanced systems and funding environments, accelerating their development and connecting them with global investors. If delivered at the promised scale of 100 startups a year, BridgeStart could become one of the most significant state backed talent pipelines for the country's young technology companies.
mwrana
October 9, 2026
