In a significant step towards fostering innovation and bridging the gap between academia and industry, a high-profile Academia-Industry Linkage meeting took place at Government College University Faisalabad.
The event was hosted by Dr. Tanvir Shahzad, Director Office of Research Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) and attended by prominent academic researchers, industry leaders, government representatives, and policy makers, all of whom discussed strategies to enhance collaboration between the two sectors.
Over the course of the meeting, key topics such as joint research ventures, technology transfer, internships, and entrepreneurial opportunities were explored in-depth.
The chair of the meeting, Prof. Dr. Rauf-I-Azam, Vice Chancellor, Government College University Faisalabad emphasized the vital role of academia in producing research that not only drives knowledge forward but also addresses the practical needs of industries. “GCUF has always been at the forefront of research excellence, but we know that real-world impact is only achieved when we collaborate with industry,”
Prof. Dr. Rauf-i-Azam, remarked.
Prof. Dr. Mahr-un-Nisa (Department of Nutritional Sciences), Dr. Kiran Aftab (Department of Chemistry) and Dr. Muhammad Shahid (Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology) have presented their innovative ideas during the meeting to get R&D collaboration from industry. During the panel discussion, the panellists discussed how collaborative efforts can accelerate the development of emerging technologies. Panellists also addressed the challenges of intellectual property rights, commercialization of academic research, and aligning academic curricula with industry needs. The meeting was concluded by Dr. Habib Aslam Gaba, FCCI Convener Standing Committee, Industry-Academia Linkage.
From industrial sector, the meeting was attended by Mr. Naeem Anjum (GM Quality Assurance, United Industries Ltd.) Mr. Syed M. Ali (Manager Operations-Interloop Pvt. Ltd.), Dr. Khalid Aziz (Seniour Manager AgriBusiness, Rafhan Maize Products Pvt. Ltd.), Hafiz Umar (Manager Quality Assurance, Innovative Biscuits Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Imran Akbar (Team Lead Quality, Punjab Beverage Company (PEPSICo) Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Qaiser Chughtai (CEO Crystal Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Muhammad Abbas (CEO Haris Dyes and Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Muhammad Waqas (CEO MAH Biotech Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Abdur Rehman (CEO Pak-Pure Line Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Mehmood Elahi (CEO Shami Dyes Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Hafiz Nasir (CEO Hafiz Dyes and Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.).
The meeting was organized by Dr. Nudrat Aisha Akram (Deputy Director), Dr. Muhammad Kamran Khan (Manager) and Dr. Shahid Adeel (Manager) from Innovation and Commercialization section of ORIC.