ISLAMABAD: National University of Sciences and Technology (Nust) and Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)have launched joint efforts to promote climate-conscious startups in the country.

The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of Germany through Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) Development Bank is financially supporting the programme aimed to support early-stage and post- revenue businesses.

These will develop green solutions removing barriers such as limited funding, lack of technical expertise, and weak market linkages.

In this connection, ‘Accelerate Prosperity’, an AKDN initiative, in collaboration with the Nust Professional Development Centre (PDC), completed one of its startups. The certification awarded through the programme is officially accredited by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.

This is a three-month programme designed to equip 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 engaged in virtual business courses, in-person expert training, tailored advisory, and had access to product testing facilities at Nust, gaining practical insight and skills to support their green growth journey.

Throughout the programme, entrepreneurs also benefited from structured business development support including financial modeling, market insights, investor readiness, and access to Accelerate Prosperity’s national and international networks.

Those demonstrating strong business potential and impact alignment will now be considered for subsidised debt financing of up to $200,000 from Accelerate Prosperity, to help them scale their solutions sustainably.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Ms Rohma Labeeb, Country Director of Accelerate Prosperity Pakistan, emphasised the importance of fostering sustainable innovation to build a more climate-resilient future. She noted that CSI equips Pakistani entrepreneurs with the skills and networks needed to develop impactful solutions while contributing to broader national goals for sustainable development.

Nust General Manager Mohammad Ali Khan appreciated the collaborative efforts behind the programme and underscored the urgent need for climate-smart growth. He highlighted the diversity of the cohort and its alignment with Pakistan’s innovation and sustainability priorities.

Executive Director Global Climate-Change Impact Studies from the Ministry of Climate Change Mohammad Arif Goher commended both Accelerate Prosperity and Nust for their leadership in climate innovation and reaffirmed the ministry’s support for such forward-looking programmes.

Accelerate Prosperity remains committed to empowering startups to lead Pakistan’s green transition, turning climate challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities for a more resilient future.

Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2025