Pakistan Startup Fund Moves to Hire Travel Agency Despite Slow Startup Disbursements

The Ignite-managed Pakistan Startup Fund has started the process of hiring an air travel agency for FY27, even as the initiative continues to show limited progress in disbursing funds to startups.

According to pre-qualification documents, interested firms must submit applications through the Electronic Pakistan Acquisition and Disposal System by July 7, 2026. Only firms shortlisted during the pre-qualification stage will be allowed to participate in the bidding process.

Eligible firms must be registered with relevant authorities, maintain an office in Islamabad, be active taxpayers, and hold accreditation from the International Air Transport Association. Applicants will be evaluated through a quality-based selection process and must secure at least 70 out of 100 technical marks to qualify.

The procurement exercise comes as the Pakistan Startup Fund has utilized only a small portion of its allocated budget. Official data shows the fund has an allocation of Rs. 3 billion, while expenditure so far stands at Rs. 132.84 million, representing roughly 5 percent financial progress.

The fund was launched to provide equity-free grants to innovation-driven startups and was expected to invest up to Rs. 2 billion annually. However, only 10 to 12 applications have reportedly been received and remain under due diligence.

No official information has been disclosed regarding the number of startups that have secured funding or the amount disbursed to individual companies, raising questions about the pace of implementation. Under the program, startups can receive non equity grants covering up to 30 percent of an investment round, provided they first secure commitments from private investors.