Islamabad (GNP):  Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja officially opened “The Innovation Hive,” a new initiative launched by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), cutting the ribbon at a ceremony.

The event was attended by US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, STEPI Pakistan CEO Dr. Mazhar H. Qureshi, USEFP Director of Alumni Affairs Mazhar Awan, and other notable figures.

In her remarks, Khawaja thanked the US Embassy and USEFP, describing the Innovation Hive as more than just a physical space — calling it a meaningful bridge that would give Pakistani entrepreneurs direct access to the American market and investors without having to leave the country, while opening up broader opportunities for the country’s youth.

Highlighting the deep-rooted ties and economic partnership between the two nations, she noted that the United States remains Pakistan’s largest export market, accounting for roughly 20 percent of the country’s total exports during the 2025-26 fiscal year. She added that bilateral trade surpassed $8 billion in 2025, and that under the Pakistan-US trade agreement reached in July 2025, American import duties on IT services, textiles, and other sectors were reduced — with Pakistan, in turn, eliminating its 5 percent Digital Services Tax as a gesture of goodwill.

The Minister also shared that the combined enterprise value of Pakistan’s venture-backed startups has surpassed $4 billion, with startups collectively raising $74.2 million in funding during 2025. Funding specifically for women-founded or co-founded startups nearly doubled, rising from $5.5 million in 2024 to $10.1 million in 2025.

She described the Innovation Hive as a lasting platform linking Pakistani talent directly to the US market, mentorship networks, and alumni connections.

Referring to key IT Ministry initiatives, Khawaja noted that Ignite, through its nine National Incubation Centers, has supported more than 2,350 startups and generated over 185,000 jobs. She said the Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF) has helped rebuild confidence among US investors by offering funding of up to 30 percent without requiring government equity stakes, while the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) provides technology and AI companies with ten-year tax and customs incentives.

Closing her address, she told entrepreneurs that the American market they’ve been striving to reach is no longer distant — that its access point is now right here in Islamabad, calling the initiative a reflection of both countries’ shared commitment.

Separately, USEFP formally launched the Innovation Hive as a new space within its Islamabad facility, designed to help turn business ideas into lasting ventures. The Hive gives emerging Pakistani entrepreneurs direct access to American expertise, technology, and professional networks, creating a foundation for innovative ideas to grow into companies that benefit both nations.

Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker joined Minister Khawaja in cutting the ribbon, marking what officials described as a significant step forward in US-Pakistan commercial ties. Baker said talent is present throughout Pakistan and simply needs a space where opportunity can find it — describing the Hive as fulfilling that role. She framed the partnership as consistent with President Trump’s vision that America’s international relationships should produce tangible outcomes, including greater trade, investment, and shared prosperity.

Baker noted that over its first year, the Innovation Hive will connect more than 250 American mentors with entrepreneurs at various stages of development, with the US government providing investment support for top Pakistani startups. She acknowledged that while talent exists across the country, entrepreneurs often lack access to opportunities, investors, and practical guidance — gaps the Hive, a joint effort between USEFP, the US Embassy, and American businesses and investors, aims to fill through training, networking, and access to US experts.

The facility will operate five days a week and is expected to support more than 50 high-performing entrepreneurs, 500 early-stage founders, and over 1,000 aspiring business owners. Baker also announced the Endeavor Project, a two-year, $500,000 US government initiative supporting 30 Pakistani entrepreneurs through mentorship, networking, and potential travel opportunities to the United States.

She said the initiative would help strengthen trade, investment, and innovation between the two countries, noting that both nations stand to benefit as Pakistani startups expand and American companies gain new partners and markets.

Baker thanked USEFP and its Executive Director Dr. Peter Moran, along with supporting American companies including Stewart Pakistan and Papa John’s, describing the Hive’s core mission as creating a space where Pakistani talent can access greater opportunity.

The launch reflects a broader dynamic in the US-Pakistan relationship — that pairing American expertise with Pakistani talent creates mutual benefit for both countries. Going forward, the Innovation Hive will host monthly “Links and Leads” sessions connecting entrepreneurs with mentors and peers, along with regular “demo days” giving Pakistani startups a platform to showcase their work to wider audiences.

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Online certificate programs will round out the offering, helping founders sharpen the practical skills needed to compete effectively.