PM Launches $20m Venture Fund to Boost Pakistan’s Robotics, Innovation Ecosystem -

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said Pakistan was strengthening its indigenous technological capabilities, highlighting the development of fully locally built defence simulators and drone manufacturing with more than 60 percent local content. Speaking at the opening of the Indus RAS – Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026, he announced the establishment of a $20 million Pakistan Venture Fund and the launch of the Spark and Elevate programme to support research, startups and technology-driven enterprises.

The prime minister said Pakistan must develop an integrated innovation ecosystem connecting universities, research institutions, industries, startups and other stakeholders to advance homegrown technologies. He stressed that robotics and autonomous systems should benefit farmers, small businesses, women entrepreneurs and young innovators, rather than remaining limited to advanced economies or large corporations.

He said robotics and autonomous systems could transform key sectors, including agriculture, emergency response, industry and public services, while reducing reliance on imported technologies. Shehbaz also underlined the need for clear regulatory and ethical frameworks to ensure autonomous systems remain safe, secure and transparent as artificial intelligence and automation continue to evolve.

The premier said the Spark and Elevate programme would help convert research into commercially viable products, globally competitive businesses and high-skilled jobs. The Pakistan Venture Fund, with an initial commitment of $20 million, aims to attract investment into the country’s technology sector and encourage innovation-led enterprises.

Highlighting the government’s focus on self-reliance, Shehbaz said Pakistan had already begun deploying advanced technologies in agriculture, emergency management and defence. He noted that robotics could help address challenges such as water scarcity, climate change and disaster response, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to investing in research, entrepreneurship and skills development to position Pakistan as a competitive player in emerging technologies.

The ceremony was attended by Chief of Defence Forces and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, technology experts, industrialists, entrepreneurs, foreign delegates, company representatives and students. – ERMD