Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the Indus Robotics & Autonomous Systems (RAS) Expo 2026 in Islamabad, highlighting Pakistan's ambition to strengthen its position in robotics, autonomous technologies, and innovation.
The event brought together government representatives, researchers, universities, startups, and industry stakeholders to showcase the country's growing technological capabilities.
Robotics for National Development
During his address, the Prime Minister emphasized that robotics and autonomous systems have the potential to transform key sectors, including:
- Agriculture
- Disaster management
- National security
- Industrial development
He stressed that investment in advanced technologies will play an important role in Pakistan's future economic growth.
Progress in Drone Technology
The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan has achieved over 60% indigenization in drone technology, reflecting continued efforts to strengthen domestic research, manufacturing, and technological expertise.
Expanding local capabilities can contribute to greater innovation and reduced reliance on imported technologies.
New Innovation Initiatives
Several initiatives were highlighted during the event to support Pakistan's innovation ecosystem.
SPARK & Elevate Programme
The newly announced SPARK & Elevate Programme aims to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology development by supporting researchers, startups, and emerging businesses.
Pakistan Venture Fund
The government also announced a $20 million Pakistan Venture Fund, designed to provide financial support for technology startups and innovative ventures.
The initiative is expected to encourage investment in high-potential ideas while strengthening Pakistan's startup ecosystem.
Collaboration Across Sectors
The Prime Minister emphasized stronger collaboration among:
- Universities
- Startups
- Industry
- Researchers
- Technology innovators
Such partnerships can help accelerate research commercialization and create opportunities for sustainable technological growth.
Conclusion
The Indus Robotics & Autonomous Systems Expo 2026 reflects Pakistan's growing focus on advanced technologies, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Through investment in robotics, research, and startup development, the country aims to build a stronger technology ecosystem capable of supporting long-term economic growth and global competitiveness.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available reports. The image used is AI-generated and is for reference only
