Ignite National Technology Fund, working under the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, has announced plans to establish the Women Innovation and Startup Empowerment Lab (WISE Lab), a dedicated platform aimed at supporting women-led startups in Pakistan. The initiative seeks to tackle barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, including limited access to capital, digital skills, and professional networks.
According to official documents, the lab will provide an 8,000–10,000 sq. ft incubation space in Islamabad, with room for at least 20 startups at a time. Training programs will also be conducted nationwide, including in provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, to reach up to 200 female micro-entrepreneurs annually through physical bootcamps.
Ignite has already issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting firms to apply for the establishment and management of the lab. The selected team will oversee incubation cycles, provide training in business development, digital literacy, and investment readiness, while also connecting startups with potential investors.
| Program Feature | Details |
| Incubation Space | 8,000–10,000 sq. ft in Islamabad |
| Startup Capacity | 20 women-led startups at a time |
| Training Reach | 200 women annually across Pakistan |
| Annual Grants | Up to Rs. 2 million for top 5 startups |
| Goal | Gender equality, inclusive growth (aligned with SDGs) |
“WISE Lab will empower women entrepreneurs to access funding, build skills, and connect with investors, ensuring their growth contributes to Pakistan’s economy,” officials stated.
With only 24.5% of women active in the labor force and just 1% engaged in entrepreneurship compared to 21% of men, the project is seen as a crucial step toward inclusive development. Ignite, already known for managing National Incubation Centers and deep-tech startup grants, will monitor and fund the lab to ensure measurable impact.