Pakistani founders, researchers, and technology enterprises can now apply for funding through the newly launched Prime Minister's SPARK and ELEVATE technology programmes for FY2026-27. Backed by a financial allocation of PKR 352.5 million (Rs352.5 million), the initiative aims to push local research into marketable commercial products without drawing from the federal budget or Public Sector Development Programme. For background on institutional funding mechanisms, read about government allocations for SPARK and ELEVATE tech grants to understand the wider financial framework.

Breakdown of Funding and Program Structure

The board of Ignite National Technology Fund approved the allocation, which will be financed entirely through the Research and Development Fund. Both programmes will support up to 60 projects annually through a competitive selection process. Ignite plans to run two cohorts of grants every six months.

Funding is divided into two distinct tracks based on project maturity. The Strategic Program for Advanced Research and Knowledge (SPARK) provides grants of up to PKR 100 million (Rs100 million) per project. Its goal is the creation of functional prototypes backed by real-world results. Meanwhile, Empowering Latest age Engineering, Validation, and Accelerated Technology (ELEVATE) offers up to PKR 200 million (Rs200 million) per project to take existing prototypes to commercial readiness.

Projects under both tracks run for a maximum of 18 months. Disbursements occur in milestone-linked tranches. Successful applicants must deliver concrete results such as pilot deployments, operational validation, or confirmed customer uptake.

Application Deadlines and Eligibility Criteria

The first call for proposals has specific cut-off dates for submissions. Project concepts must be submitted by October 26, 2026. Full proposals are due by the end of November 2026.

Eligible applicants include public and private universities, research organisations, startups, and small and medium enterprises. University incubation is excluded from these specific tracks because Ignite handles incubation separately through its National Incubation Centers. However, startups and SMEs are permitted to lead projects. For ELEVATE, projects must be industry-led, with universities and research centres participating as consortium partners.

  • SPARK maximum grant: PKR 100 million per project for functional prototypes
  • ELEVATE maximum grant: PKR 200 million per project for commercialisation
  • Concept submission deadline: October 26, 2026
  • Full proposal deadline: End of November 2026
  • Project duration: Up to 18 months

Priority Technology Sectors

While the programmes are sector-agnostic and accept proposals from various technology fields, nine specific areas have been prioritized for evaluation. Applicants working within these fields will find direct alignment with government targets.

The nine priority sectors include digital industry and advanced manufacturing, agriculture and water systems, energy efficiency, and digital healthcare. The list also covers smart cities, connectivity and digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and trust systems, education, and smart mobility.

Intellectual Property and Patent Support

The funding framework encourages intellectual property protection. Teams whose projects are funded can file patent applications domestically in Pakistan or internationally through the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

Significantly, patent filing costs are fully admissible under the awarded grants. This allows local innovators to secure their intellectual assets without absorbing out-of-pocket legal expenses during the commercialisation phase.

Evaluation and Selection Mechanism

No single university or research center holds status as a primary implementation partner. Instead, all applicants compete through an open, nationwide selection process.

Ignite evaluates submissions using its Project Evaluation Ranking Matrix. Final approval rests with the Ignite board. For further academic context on domestic research funding, check the guidelines for the National Research Program for Universities (NRPU) 2024-2025: Call for Proposals.

Complementary Venture Financing

Alongside SPARK and ELEVATE, the government expects the proposed $20 million Pakistan Venture Fund (PVF) to address broader financing gaps. The fund aims to mobilize private investment through professionally managed venture funds.

PVF targets technology-driven businesses working in artificial intelligence, robotics, augmented and virtual reality, deep tech, defence tech, cybersecurity, fintech, healthtech, and agritech. This separate pool of capital is designed to help local startups scale product development and enter international markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can early-stage startups apply for SPARK and ELEVATE?

Yes, startups and SMEs can lead projects under both programmes, though startup incubation is handled separately through Ignite's National Incubation Centers.

Are universities required to lead ELEVATE projects?

No, ELEVATE projects must be industry-led. Universities and research centres participate only as consortium partners.

Are patent filing costs covered by the grants?

Yes, patent filing costs in Pakistan and internationally through the Patent Cooperation Treaty are admissible under the grants.

Source: PhoneWorld