Pakistani startups developing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to improve people’s financial lives can now apply for international grants of up to £250,000 under a new funding programme launched by the GSMA.
The GSMA Innovation Fund for AI-Enabled Financial Health aims to support businesses using AI to help people manage their money, improve financial decisions and build long-term savings and income.
The programme is backed by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Selected companies will receive grants ranging from £100,000 to £250,000.
Applications are open until December 17, 2026, giving eligible Pakistani businesses an opportunity to secure funding for their AI-based financial products and services.
Who Can Apply for the GSMA Grants?
The funding programme is open to private, for-profit small and growing businesses operating in low- and middle-income countries across Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Pakistan is included among the eligible countries. Other eligible markets include Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Indonesia.
However, startups must meet several conditions to qualify. Applicants must already have users and generate revenue. Companies implementing projects in Pakistan must also be registered and operating in the country.
Another important requirement is matching funding. Applicants must contribute at least 25% of the grant amount they request.
For example, a company requesting a grant of £100,000 must arrange at least £25,000 in matching funds. The selected projects will run for a period of 15 to 18 months.
What Types of AI Projects Will Receive Funding?
The GSMA is looking for AI-powered solutions that address financial challenges faced by individuals and communities.
The programme aims to support technologies that help people manage unexpected financial difficulties, make informed decisions and improve their financial stability.
Eligible project ideas may include AI-powered fraud detection systems that help protect users from financial scams. Startups can also develop personal financial coaching tools that communicate in local languages and provide guidance based on users’ financial needs.
Other areas include market and price information services, job-matching platforms and digital savings tools.
These solutions are expected to make financial services more useful and accessible, particularly for people who face difficulties accessing traditional financial support.
Special Preference for Women-Focused and Local Startups
The fund will give special preference to applications from businesses serving women, girls and people with disabilities.
Locally led companies will also receive priority consideration. The GSMA is particularly interested in businesses whose solutions could reach more people through partnerships with mobile network operators.
This creates an opportunity for Pakistani startups developing financial technology for underserved communities to expand their services and reach new users.
Additional Support for Selected Companies
The programme offers more than financial assistance. Successful applicants will also receive technical support and opportunities to connect with investors.
The GSMA will provide publicity through its events and publications, helping selected companies increase their visibility and build partnerships.
This additional support could help startups improve their products, strengthen their business models and expand their operations during the project period.
Why the GSMA AI Funding Programme Matters
The funding programme comes as mobile-based financial services continue to expand across developing economies.
According to GSMA figures, account ownership in low- and middle-income countries increased from 42% in 2011 to almost 80% in 2024. The growth has been driven largely by the expansion of mobile money services.
However, there is still a major gap between account registration and regular usage. Only around one in four of the world’s 2.3 billion registered mobile money accounts is used every month.
The GSMA believes AI-powered solutions can help address some of these challenges by making financial services more accessible, useful and relevant to customers.
Pakistan has previously benefited from the organisation’s funding initiatives. In 2021, the GSMA Innovation Fund provided Rs. 146 million in grants to three Pakistani startups.
The new programme offers another opportunity for local businesses to attract international funding and develop technology-based financial solutions.
Application Deadline and Official Details
Interested startups should review the eligibility requirements, funding conditions and application process before submitting their proposals.
The application deadline is December 17, 2026. Businesses should also ensure they can meet the matching-fund requirement and complete their projects within the specified 15-to-18-month period.
Applicants can read the official programme details and terms and conditions through the following links:
Also read: Pakistan’s Startup Funding Plummets by 70%
