ISLAMABAD: Accelerate Prosperity, an initiative of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), in collaboration with the NUST Professional Development Centre (PDC), has successfully concluded the Certification in Sustainable Innovation (CSI) 2025, a national incubation program aimed at supporting climate-conscious startups in Pakistan.
Funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of Germany through Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) Development Bank, the program targets early-stage and post-revenue businesses developing green or greening solutions. It helps these ventures overcome key challenges such as limited funding, lack of technical expertise, and weak market linkages. The CSI certification awarded through this initiative is officially accredited by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.
The three-month program equipped impact-driven ventures with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to scale sustainable innovation. Around 20 high-potential startups from across Pakistan were selected through a competitive process. Participants received virtual business training, in-person expert workshops, tailored advisory, and access to product testing facilities at NUST, enabling practical insights and support for their green growth journeys.
Startups also benefited from structured business development services, including financial modeling, market analysis, investor readiness, and access to Accelerate Prosperity’s national and international networks. Startups demonstrating high potential and impact alignment will now be considered for subsidized debt financing of up to USD 200,000 to help scale their solutions sustainably.
The closing ceremony at the National Science and Technology Park (NSTP), NUST, featured keynote speeches, a pitch showcase, and participation from investors, mentors, and key stakeholders.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Rohma Labeeb, Country Director of Accelerate Prosperity Pakistan, emphasized the need to foster sustainable innovation to build a climate-resilient future. She noted that the CSI program equips entrepreneurs with the skills and networks needed to create impactful solutions while supporting Pakistan’s broader sustainable development goals.
Mr. Muhammad Ali Khan, General Manager at NUST, praised the collaborative effort behind the program and underlined the importance of climate-smart economic growth. He lauded the diversity of the selected cohort and its alignment with Pakistan’s innovation and sustainability priorities.
A highlight of the ceremony was the Top 5 Startup Pitch Showcase, where The Natural Fiber Company was recognized for its contributions to circular and sustainable material innovation.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Muhammad Arif Goher, Executive Director of Global Climate-Change Impact Studies at the Ministry of Climate Change, applauded both Accelerate Prosperity and NUST for their leadership in driving climate innovation. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting forward-looking initiatives that advance green entrepreneurship in Pakistan.
Accelerate Prosperity reaffirmed its commitment to empowering startups to lead Pakistan’s green transition, turning climate challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities for a more resilient, sustainable future.
