Pakistan Startup Fund Moves to Hire Travel Agency Amidst Strong Annual Utilization and Progress

The Ignite-managed Pakistan Startup Fund has started the process of hiring an air travel agency for FY27.

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.

Official data shows the fund has an allocation of Rs. 3 billion. This year’s original PSDP allocation to the project was Rs. 275 million. Since the spending needs exceeded the original allocation, the year end spending figure is Rs. 340 million.

The fund was launched to provide equity-free grants to innovation-driven startups, as well as provide international acceleration and incubation opportunities to startups, and was expected to invest provide grants of up to Rs. 2 billion annually. Nearly 250 applications have been received and remain under various stages of scrutiny.

A Total of 39 startups have secured funding this year with strong forward momentum. 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, and alternatively receive funding opportunities for international acceleration and incubation.