Accelerate Prosperity, an initiative of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), in collaboration with the NUST Professional Development Centre (PDC), successfully concluded the Certification in Sustainable Innovation (CSI) 2025, a national incubation program supporting climate-conscious startups in Pakistan.
The program, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of Germany through Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) Development Bank, aimed to support early-stage and post- revenue businesses developing green or greening solutions by helping them overcome barriers such as limited funding, lack of technical expertise, and weak market linkages. The certification awarded through the program is officially accredited by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.
The program was a 3-month journey 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 program, entrepreneurs also benefited from structured business development support including financial modelling, 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 subsidized debt financing of up to USD 200,000 from Accelerate Prosperity, to help them scale their solutions sustainably.
The closing ceremony, held at the National Science and Technology Park (NSTP), NUST, featured keynote speakers, startup pitches, and participation from investors, mentors, and other stakeholders.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Rohma Labeeb, Country Director of Accelerate Prosperity Pakistan, welcomed guests and emphasized 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.
Mr. Muhammad Ali Khan, General Manager at NUST, appreciated the collaborative efforts behind the program 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.
One of the ceremony’s highlights was the Top 5 Startup Pitch Showcase, where The Natural Fiber Company was recognized for its circular, sustainable material solutions.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Muhammad Arif Goher, Executive Director Global Climate-Change Impact Studies, MoCC from the Ministry of Climate Change commended both Accelerate Prosperity and NUST for their leadership in climate innovation and reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for such forward-looking programs.
Accelerate Prosperity remains committed to empowering startups to lead Pakistan’s green transition, turning climate challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities for a more resilient future.