The government has allocated Rs352.5 million for two technology programs aimed at turning research into market-ready products. The Prime Minister’s SPARK and ELEVATE initiatives will offer grants of up to Rs200 million per project during FY2026-27.
According to official documents, the programs will support up to 60 research and innovation projects annually. Each initiative will fund up to 30 projects through a competitive selection process. The Board of Ignite, the National Technology Fund, approved the allocation. Funding will come from the Research and Development (R&D) Fund, without support from the federal budget or the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
SPARK stands for Strategic Program for Advanced Research and Knowledge. It will fund research projects focused on developing functional prototypes. Meanwhile, ELEVATE will help turn existing prototypes into validated, market-ready technologies.
The Prime Minister announced both initiatives on July 22, 2026, at the Indus RAS Expo 2026. Ignite is implementing the programs under the amended Research and Development Rules, 2006. The first call for proposals remains open until October 26, 2026, for project concepts. Applicants must submit full proposals by the end of November 2026.
Grants will support prototypes and market-ready products
Under the funding framework, SPARK will provide grants of up to Rs100 million per project. ELEVATE will offer up to Rs200 million per project. Both programs will support projects for up to 18 months, with funding released in stages linked to milestones.
Ignite plans to award grants through two cohorts every six months. Each program will support up to 30 projects annually, subject to the selection process. The government has identified nine priority areas for funding. These include digital industry and advanced manufacturing, agriculture and water systems, energy efficiency, and digital healthcare.
Other areas include smart cities, connectivity and digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and trust systems, education, and smart mobility. However, the programs will remain open to different technology sectors, allowing projects to compete on merit.
During the first two years, the focus will remain on selecting projects, awarding grants, and meeting milestones. Final outputs are expected once the funded projects are completed. SPARK-funded projects must deliver functional prototypes backed by verifiable results. These may include pilot deployments, testing in real-world operating conditions, or evidence of industry adoption.
ELEVATE projects, meanwhile, must turn existing prototypes into market-ready products. Applicants will need a confirmed pilot site or first customer to demonstrate commercial potential. The programs aim to deliver up to 30 prototypes and 30 market-ready products per cycle. However, the final numbers will depend on the grants awarded.
Patent protection and startup participation
The funding framework also encourages applicants to protect their intellectual property. Projects can seek patents in Pakistan or internationally through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Eligible grant funding can cover patent filing costs.
The minister clarified that startup incubation does not fall under SPARK or ELEVATE. Ignite already handles this through its National Incubation Centers, which have hosted more than 2,250 startups.
However, startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can lead projects under both programs. Eligible public and private universities, research organizations, startups, and SMEs can apply through an open nationwide process.
No university or research center has been selected as a primary implementation partner. Instead, applicants will compete through Ignite’s Project Evaluation Ranking Matrix, with final approvals resting with its board.
ELEVATE projects will follow an industry-led model. Universities and research centers can participate as consortium partners alongside industry participants.
Pakistan Venture Fund targets startup financing gaps
Separately, the government expects the proposed $20 million Pakistan Venture Fund (PVF) to improve access to financing for promising technology startups. The fund aims to attract private investment through professionally managed venture funds.
Its focus areas will include artificial intelligence, robotics, augmented and virtual reality, and deep technology. Cybersecurity, defense technologies, financial technology, healthcare technology, and agricultural technology will also be covered.
The government expects the initiative to help startups expand product development and commercialize their innovations. It also aims to support entry into international markets and attract domestic and foreign investment.
Together, the initiatives are designed to strengthen Pakistan’s technology research pipeline. SPARK will focus on building functional prototypes, while ELEVATE will help move existing technologies closer to commercial use.