Pakistan has earmarked Rs. 352.5 million for two technology innovation schemes, SPARK and ELEVATE, for fiscal year 2026 to 2027, aiming to back tech-driven projects and bolster the nation's innovation ecosystem.
The figure was revealed in a response from the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication to the National Assembly.
According to the ministry, the money will be drawn from the Research and Development Fund and will not appear in the federal budget or the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
SPARK and ELEVATE Offer Grants for Innovation
Both programmes intend to award grants to qualified applicants developing innovative projects, with funding caps reflecting each project's size and needs.
Under SPARK, a single project may obtain up to Rs. 100 million, while ELEVATE can provide as much as Rs. 200 million per project, supporting larger-scale initiatives.
Programmes Can Support 30 Grants Annually
The ministry notes that each scheme can grant up to 30 awards per year, and supported projects are expected to run for 18 months.
The initiatives seek to finance innovation and spur technology-based solutions across Pakistan. The ministry's reply also mentioned the Pakistan Venture Fund, a distinct programme with $20 million in funding.
The Rs. 352.5 million allocation for SPARK and ELEVATE is tied specifically to the Research and Development Fund for FY 2026-27 and remains separate from the Pakistan Venture Fund.
