Pakistan launches first national platform for climate tech startups

KARACHI: In response to escalating climate threats, Renewables First, a think tank for energy and environment in Pakistan, and New Energy Nexus, a leading network of funds and accelerators supporting diverse clean energy entrepreneurs, have jointly launched Climate Innovation Pakistan (CLIP) -- a first-of-its-kind national platform aimed at accelerating homegrown climate tech solutions.

Despite contributing less than 0.9 per cent to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan ranks among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. The launch ceremony, held at the National Incubation Centre, marked a significant milestone in addressing this existential challenge through technology-driven solutions.

The collaboration introduces two key components: a climate tech incubator by Renewables First, offering a tailored curriculum for early-stage climate ventures; and the New Energy Academy, established by New Energy Nexus to upskill the country’s solar industry workforce.

General Manager of Ignite Funds Muhammad Bilal Abbasi praised the initiative, adding that “CLIP not only adds value to the existing ecosystem but also helps strengthen Pakistan's economy,” while confirming that Ignite’s own incubator will complement CLIP’s efforts.

Global Partnerships Director at New Energy Nexus Stanley Ng highlighted the organisation’s global footprint and experience in the South Asian region. He elaborated on the concept behind the New Energy Academy and its role in supporting Pakistan’s solar workforce.

Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Solar Association Aafaq Ali endorsed the collaboration as “a very timely initiative”, underscoring the urgent need for improved quality in solar installations nationwide.

Ahtasam Ahmad of Renewables First presented his white paper, ‘Pakistan’s Climate Tech Opportunity’, outlining both the challenges and the untapped potential within the country’s evolving startup ecosystem. He also identified a roadmap for scaling the nascent sector.

The launch featured a panel discussion titled ‘The Role of Ecosystem Support Organisations (ESOs) in Building an Investable Climate Tech Pipeline’. Panellists agreed that impact investment offers the most viable path forward for climate tech innovation in Pakistan, but unlocking this potential will require stronger collaboration between public and private actors, greater alignment between academia and industry, and tailored support for early-stage startups.

The discussion underscored the urgent need for specialised incubation programmes and targeted capacity-building curricula, supported by a balanced mix of global and local subject matter experts and experienced founders.