Ignite Seeks Partners to Establish Women Innovation & Startup Empowerment Lab (WISE Lab) in Pakistan

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Ignite – National Technology Fund, working under the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), has announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the establishment and management of the Women Innovation & Startup Empowerment Lab (WISE Lab).

The initiative is part of Ignite’s broader mission to promote gender inclusion, empower women entrepreneurs, and drive Pakistan’s digital transformation. By setting up the WISE Lab, Ignite aims to create a dedicated innovation and startup empowerment space tailored for women-led ventures, enabling them to contribute more actively to the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

According to the official announcement, proposals are invited from qualified, licensed, and well-reputed entities for the provision of services to establish and manage the WISE Lab. The RFP documents can be downloaded from the following platforms:

Submission Details
Interested organizations must submit their proposals in sealed envelopes clearly mentioning the name of the RFP on top. Proposals must be delivered by 1500 hours on November 13, 2025. Alongside physical submission, bidders are also required to upload proposals on the EPADS portal at eprocure.gov.pk.

All proposals will be opened on the same day at 1530 hours in the presence of bidders or their authorized representatives.

Eligibility & Requirements
Entities applying must:

  • Be listed on the Active Taxpayers List (ATL) of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
  • Have valid Sales Tax registration, if applicable.
  • Demonstrate professional management expertise.
  • Possess relevant experience in similar projects.

Ignite’s Vision for Women Empowerment
Ignite, established under Section 42 of the Companies Act 2017, funds innovation-driven projects and incubation centers across Pakistan. With the launch of the WISE Lab initiative, the organization seeks to unlock new opportunities for women entrepreneurs by providing access to digital tools, mentorship, and international trade linkages.

Through this initiative, Ignite aims to address gender gaps in Pakistan’s startup ecosystem and foster greater participation of women in technology, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation. The program builds on Ignite’s vision of equipping women with resources to scale their businesses, strengthen market presence, and contribute to the country’s knowledge economy.

Entities interested in applying are encouraged to carefully review the RFP requirements and submit their proposals ahead of the deadline. This marks a pivotal opportunity for organizations to partner with Ignite in advancing women entrepreneurship and driving inclusive digital growth in Pakistan.

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