In a significant step for Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Cambridge Enterprise and the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) in the presence of Federal Minister for Planning Prof. Ahsan Iqbal. The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in research, startup support and access to international innovation networks.
The partnership will connect Pakistani innovators with global accelerators and venture capital networks, creating new opportunities for international mentorship, market access and co-investment pathways. By leveraging the expertise of Cambridge Enterprise, local startups are expected to gain exposure to global best practices and investor channels that can accelerate product development and scaling.
Under the government’s URAAN Pakistan initiative, the collaboration is designed to promote inclusive, digital and climate-resilient growth through upcoming accelerator cohorts, global demo days and joint innovation programs. These activities will focus on turning promising ideas into working prototypes and translating local talent into ventures with international potential.
Officials from both institutions said the MoU will pave the way for deeper research partnerships and long-term support for entrepreneurs, with Cambridge Enterprise playing a central role in linking Pakistan’s academic and startup communities to global mentorship and investment networks. The collaboration is positioned to contribute to the maturation of Pakistan’s startup ecosystem and to expand pathways for local innovation on the world stage.
