The significance of Industrial Collaboration cannot be overstated, as they serve as crucial drivers of a nation's progress. NUTECH endeavors to contribute to the enhancement of Pakistan's technology industry by leveraging industry engagement, comprehensive industry problem analysis, and innovative approaches to resolve them.
In 2019, NUTECH established the ORIC Office also constituting industrial collaboration segment, however, Industrial Collaboration (IC) office has been recently reorganized as a separate Dte to promote collaboration between academia and industry. The IC Dte develops strategies and processes in collaboration with various stakeholders to facilitate industrial engagement endeavors. The IC office occupies a significant position in fulfilling NUTECH's vision by establishing fruitful collaborations with domestic and international universities, research and development organizations, and industry associations.
Our mandate is to strengthen and streamline the dissemination of original, economically viable, environmentally sound, and locally adapted solutions to various industries through scientific inquiry.
Bridge industry and academia to drive innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness through
Brigadier Salman Zafar, a distinguished leader with 30 years of service, is the pioneering Director of Industrial Collaboration at NUTECH. Holding an M. phil degree in International Security and Terrorism from the University of Nottingham, UK (2023), his research expertise lies in Environmental Security.
As a member of the FPCCI CSR Central Standing Committee on Higher Education, Science & Technology (2024-2025) and Member of ICCI Industry Academia Linkage and HEC Initiatives Committee, Brigadier Salman Zafar advocates for the Triple Helix Model, fostering economic and social development through academia-industry-government collaboration.
In his tenure, he has tirelessly engaged with academia, public and private industries to revamp collaboration ecosystems. His vision is to register a tangible impact by aligning academia-industry objectives, thereby instilling a shared vision for sustainable growth.
NUTECH, founded by the Armed Forces and Federal Government in February 2018, has been striving to foster strong bonds of intellectual, academic and professional camaraderie with the domestic industry, primarily in Karachi. In February 2019, NUTECH successfully attracted a group of experts from the industry to come to Karachi through their diligent and proactive actions. In April 2019, NUTECH hosted a visit from a group of industry professionals, leading to the formation of an exclusive group of volunteer experts from Karachi’s industry, known as the Core team. NUTECH has made a commitment to prioritize the voluntary, academic, and professional service of the national industry in Karachi through ongoing interactions. The University conducted thorough technical research on diverse industry sectors located in Karachi, with the intention of sharing the results of their findings with the likes of FPCCI, KCCI, a range of industry sectors and property associations in the area.
NUTECH enlisted the help of their experienced industry volunteers from Karachi to assist with the visit of a prominent delegation from the university. The delegation was headed by DG NOIC Air Vice Marshal Rana Anees Latif, who served as the first Director General of NUTECH’s Office of Research Innovation, and Commercialization (NORIC). The NUTECH delegation had meetings with the heads of FPCCI, KCCI, FBATI, S.I.T.E Superhighway, PPMA (Plastic), PPMA (Pharma), PLGMEA (Leather), ABAD, PAKSEA, PHMA (Hosiery), TMA (Towel), PAAPAM (Auto Parts), PASHA (IT), APMIA (Marble) and PCSIR Complex Karachi during their visit. During these meetings, the NUTECH delegation presented their research outcomes and deductions regarding the progress of diverse industries in a country, in terms of technical advancement.
The collaboration and exchange between NUTECH and Karachi Industry resulted in the inaugural NUTECH-OBA PSTC-Industry Symposium, which took place at NUTECH on February 18, 2020. Industrialists and Representatives from FPCCI, KCCI and S.I.T.E. including Superhighway, PLGMEA, PPMA (Plastic), PPMA (Pharma), TMA, PHMA, PAKSEA, APMIA, PAAPAM, PASHA, SIMAP were in attendance. In addition to the aforementioned groups, representatives from various scientific and governmental organizations such as PCSIR, PCRET, PCST, NIE, NIO, PEC (Ministry of Science & Technology), National Center for Physics (NCP), and individuals from HIT (Defense Production), NLC (National Logistics Cell), COMSATS University, Baha Uddin Zakriya University (BZU) Multan, and high-ranking members of the Armed Forces also attended the said event.
At the symposium, NUTECH showcased its National Industry Development Program, an Innovative Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Model tailored for the Industry, and provided insightful details about the upcoming Fourth Industrial Revolution for National Industry Development. After a symposium consisting of three sessions, NUTECH and the industrial sector in Karachi have reached an agreement to collaborate in establishing a university campus in the area. The aim is to promote rapid technological progress in the industry, which is currently in high demand. An agreement was reached to establish collaborative teams between NUTECH and the industry, a “Policies Pursuance Cell” for NUTECH Industry, and designated industry representatives at NUTECH.
The KCCI nominee, along with representatives from industrial estates and industry sector associations, were chosen to become members of five distinct NUTECH forums. These forums pertain to policies and coordination in the field of industry, technology advancement, industrial training and vocational education, industry-related projects, and laboratories. An agreement has been reached to create collaborative technology platforms between NUTECH and industry experts in order to plan, design, and establish research centers and laboratories for the development and promotion of technology according to the industry’s identified requirements.
Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Karachi industry successfully maintained their communication with NUTECH through a series of online meetings, which involved various sectors of the industry and NUTECH officials. NUTECH in collaboration with national construction industry association ABAD, developed a unique Cooperative Model of Bachelor of Civil Engineering Technology (BET) in order to educate and prepare engineering technologists as per the actual needs of national construction industry. BET program was inaugurated at NUTECH by the President of Pakistan in February 2021. The ceremony was attended by around ninety (90) leading industrialists and representatives / nominees of Karachi industry and sector associations.
In conclusion, the relationship between NUTECH and the Karachi industry is symbiotic. The industry benefits from the skilled workforce and research initiatives provided by the university, while the university benefit from the practical experience and exposure provided by industry. This collaboration between NUTECH and Karachi Industry will help to foster an environment of innovation and growth, ultimately contributing to the development of the country’s economy in the coming years.
To achieve the objectives IC office serves as a facilitator and enabler for goal-oriented industry engagement and collaboration initiatives. Its role includes ensuring the availability of necessary resources and fostering effective coordination between university departments and external stakeholders to support meaningful industrial partnerships.
To develop national industry ‘Systematic Approach’ for NUTECH-Industry collaboration is considered essential so as to make such relationship permanent feature of NUTECH academics, research and support systems. As part of its efforts to develop such system of industry support on permanent basis, NORIC has created various NUTECH-Industry Joint Collaboration Forums (NIJCF) which are designed to act as relevant platforms for the solution of all industry based and technology driven issues. These range from industry policies to technology research projects, industry labs development, technical advising and industry-needed technical and vocational skills. Following are the five key forums
To begin with, NUTECH has envisaged establishment of FIVE (05) different NIJCF intended to cater for the needs of industry in particular domains through a strong and sustainable system of University-Industry partnership are given below:
Being 'University for Industry' and with sole purpose of serving the industry in the most proficient and effective manner, it is imperative for NUTECH to establish strong relationship with industry and NICF is established to play pivot role under NORIIC management and serve the interests of industry in the best possible manner while establishing long-term professional links with industry. NICF composition include nominations/ representations from organizations of Ministries of Science & Technology, Education & Professional Training, Commerce, Planning and Industries apart from industry focal persons as members supported by the relevant leadership of NUTECH.
NIPF has honorary representation from Govt institutions representing Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industries and Ministry of Planning, Development & Reforms. The industry nominees (notified for a period of 'three years' by NUTECH) are known as "Members Industry Policy". NIPF aim is to extensively working on crafting draft Govt policies for national industry exclusively based on the following two fundamental guiding principles:
NITDF has nominees from industry associations and chambers as 'Members Technology and Advising” who are expected to be major contributors in terms of inputs from industry, different industry sectors and enterprises. On the basis of critical inputs from industry, NUTECH experts at NITDF conduct research studies, feasibility projects and technology development projects to design and develop technology up-gradation plans for different industries. NITDF connects industries with different technologies based research and product development projects to make our industry technology driven exports enabled enterprises in future. It is in addition to the reasonably large number of NUTECH PhD faculty who has joined NITDF as consultants, guides, academic and intellectual partners for the R&D based solutions of technology and industry through technology upgradation projects.
This forum is established to develop National industry so that it is well conversant with the international industry standards for high quality exports driven products to let it compete with global industry. The forum has representation from NUTECH faculty experts, relevant experts from national scientific organizations dealing with national standards for industry representations from national academic, scientific, industrial and commercial products development labs, industry research organizations, institutions of Ministries of Industry, Science & Technology and Commerce, the forum performs different functions.
NISDF have membership of NUTECH skills experts, master trainers of hi-tech skills, representatives of NAVTTC and experts from faculty with specialization in innovative hi-tech skills of 4th Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), NISDF has multiple tasks to perform.
One of the major accomplishment was building NUTECH core team that consists of renowned industrialists as NUTECH Lead Industry Volunteer. NUTECH core team is our lifeline with industry. It has supported us and educated us on matters of the Industry. Our engagements with the core team has enabled us to achieve the position which we have today. This integration has created a common platform through which NUTECH has been able to create an unprecedented Industry – Academia linkage
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Mr. Zubair Motiwala |
Mr. Jawed Bilwani |
Mr. Nazim Haji |
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Mr. Sheik M Irfan, Aslipari |
Mr. Ehtesham Uddin |
Mr. Masood Naqvi |
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Mr. Masood Raza |
Mr. Humaid ur Rehman |
Mr. Salman Noor Siddiqui |
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Mr. Syed Intisar Jafri |
Ms. Nusrat Haris |
One successful outcome of our efforts has been our Industrial Engagement Model. To develop national industry ‘System Approach’ for NUTECH-Industry collaboration is essential so as to make such relationship permanent feature of NUTECH academics, research and support systems. As part of its efforts to develop such system of industry support on permanent basis, NORIC has created various NUTECH-Industry Joint Collaboration Forums (NIJCF) which are designed to act as relevant platforms for the solution of all industry based and technology driven issues ranging from industry policies to technology research projects, industry labs development, technical advising and industry-needed technical and vocational skills.
NORIC engaged industry dynos for national industry uplifting noble cause, who volunteered their services and collaborated in designing the curriculum of technology and skills program to match international standards is the living proof of NORIC success story.
Mr. Salman Noor Siddiqui (Economist)
Mr Salman Noor Siddiqui (Economist) who has extensive experience of various industry sectors at leading management positions and as a chief researcher as well, devoted his efforts to prepare white paper/policy papers by benchmarking Russian Academia and Technology Structure to help in designing the curriculum of technology and skills program to match international standards.
Ms. Maheen Salman (Business Woman and PhD Scholar)
Ms Maheen Salman, Vice President KATI volunteered to develop a matrix for jointly focusing efforts on data collection/Research for NUTECH of Industry development. She also researched on Pharmaceutical Industry needs and compiled it into a paper i.e. “an overview of Pharmaceutical Industry Needs Identification – KATI Pilot Project
NORIC Team Visit to Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI): 12-18 MARCH 2023
The Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), established in 1978, is a large business association in the region and is actively involved in promoting trade and investment in the city. The city is known for its entrepreneurial culture, with a substantial quantity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) thriving in the area.
NORIC team visited Gujranwala with an aim to establish long-term sustainable linkages between NUTECH and Gujranwala industry by presenting the vision of NUTECH as the country’s pioneer ‘University for Industry’, to the industrialist community of Gujranwala. The purpose of six days long visit (March 12th to 18th) was to interact with GCCI leadership and prominent industrialists of the area to get the firsthand knowledge of potential problems of industry and exploring the areas of mutual collaboration.
On 13th March 2023, a meeting was held with Secretary General GCCI, Mr. Muhammad Burhan, to establish a mutually beneficial collaboration between the two entities. The meeting aimed to set a framework through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), discuss areas of mutual interest, benefits and challenges of the partnership, and set tentative dates for a high-level delegation from NUTECH to visit GCCI.
During the meeting, NORIC team expressed interest in developing industry-specific programs, joint research projects, and students’ internships. Subsequent to the meeting, NORIC team conducted series of visits to industries in Gujranwala to explore potential partnerships. During these visits, the team had the opportunity to meet with several high-level industry leaders including Company CEOs, Directors, General Managers, and HR personnel. These industries operate across a range of sectors which include the following:
The team gained valuable insights and established promising connections along with the current challenges of the industry.
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Gujrat, Gujranwala and Sialkot and Lahore Visits September, 2020
NUTECH Delegates comprising DG NORIC and Registrar visited CCI for Sialkot, Gujranwala and Gujrat. Sialkot Chambers of Commerce and Industry is the premier trade body representing the export oriented industry of Sialkot since 1982. Gujranwala is Pakistan’s third largest industrial center after Karachi and Faisalabad. Gujrat Chambers of Commerce & Industry (GTCCI) which enjoys the status of apex body of trade and industry and has a significant role in the economic development of country. The cities of Sialkot, Gujrat and Gujranwala forms “Golden Triangle” of industrial cities with export-oriented economies.
NUTECH Delegation Visits Karachi March, 2020
NUTECH Delegation visited Karachi on March 14, 2020 to meet leadership of Karachi industry. NUTECH Delegation had meeting with all the Chairmen, Senior Vice Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of all Seven Industrial Estate Associations of Karachi under Karachi Industry Forum led by its President Mr. Zain Bashir. The industrial Estates included Korangi Association of Trade & Industry (KATI), S.I.T.E. Association, North Karachi Association of Trade & Industry (NKATI), Bin Qasim Association of Trade & Industry (BQATI), Federal B Area Association of Trade & Industry (FBATI), S.I.T.E. Superhighway Association and Landhi Association of Trade & Industry (LATI)
Executive Director Saylani Welfare Trust visited NUTECH on January 2020. Registrar and Director NSDD briefed about NUTECH and Skills Department. Executive Director visits of Academics Block, NSDD, Library and Class Rooms.
Saylani Welfare Trust visited by NUTECH Teams in March 2020 and March 2021.
Visit to FF Steel
Visit to IMARAT Group
Visit of ICCI
Functioning Student Microenterprise Development Training(USAID-HESSA)
Director Industrial Collaboration, Brig Salman Zafar participated in the prestigious “Functioning Student Microenterprise Development Training” organized by USAID’s HESSA initiative at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi, from February 18-23, 2024. This significant event aimed to foster entrepreneurial skills and microenterprise development among students, aligning with HESSA's mission to empower higher education institutions for improved career readiness and innovation. Brigadier Zafar's presence underscored the commitment to nurturing student-led entrepreneurial ventures and strengthening academic-industry linkages.
Visit to Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power Plant (QATPL)
On January 28-29, 2024, Director IC, Brigadier Salman Zafar, along with his team, conducted a visit to the Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power Plant (QATPL) in Bhikki, Sheikhupura. The purpose of the visit was to explore potential industrial collaboration for the PSF project titled “Tapping Industrial Oxygen for Medical Purposes.” This initiative reflects a strategic effort to leverage industrial resources for healthcare advancements, fostering innovation and strengthening industry-academia partnerships. The visit marked a significant step towards aligning industrial capabilities with national healthcare needs.
Appointment of Point of Contact (PoC) for the NUTECH Karachi Campus (NKC)
On April 25, 2024, Engr. Syed Tanveer Ahmed Jafri visited the National University of Technology (NUTECH) at the invitation of the Rector. During this visit, he was officially designated as the Point of Contact (PoC) for the NUTECH Karachi Campus (NKC). The meeting, held at 10:45 AM, was sponsored by Director IC, Brigadier Salman Zafar, who accompanied Engr. Jafri throughout the interaction. This appointment marks a significant step towards strengthening coordination and operational alignment for the establishment and development of the Karachi campus.
National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) visit
On June 28, 2024, Director IC, Brigadier Salman Zafar, accompanied by Dr. Hassan Abdure Rehman, visited the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) to discuss the modalities for establishing an Integrated Circuit facility. The visit centered on exploring avenues for collaboration under the project titled “National Semiconductor HR Development Program (NSHRDP) Phase-I.” This initiative underscores a shared commitment to advancing technological capabilities and fostering local expertise in semiconductor technologies through strategic partnerships.
NDMA seminar “Disaster Resilient Pakistan”
On June 13, 2024, the National University of Technology (NUTECH) hosted a seminar on "Disaster Resilient Pakistan," organized by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The event featured distinguished speakers, including Major General (R) Asghar Nawaz, former Chairman NDMA, along with prominent foreign dignitaries. The seminar emphasized strategies for enhancing disaster resilience in Pakistan, fostering dialogue on preparedness, mitigation, and collaborative approaches to addressing natural and man-made disasters.
USAID-HESSA International Summit on Shaping the Future of Higher Education in Pakistan
From June 10-12, 2024, the National University of Technology (NUTECH) hosted the International Summit on Shaping the Future of Higher Education in Pakistan under the USAID HESSA initiative. The event included a focused training session for university registrars, aimed at enhancing administrative excellence and aligning higher education institutions with global standards. The summit brought together academic leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss transformative strategies for advancing higher education in Pakistan, fostering innovation, and building sustainable frameworks for academic growth.
Anti-Narcotics Force Symposium
On August 16, 2024, and earlier on May 31, 2024, the National University of Technology (NUTECH) hosted an Anti-Narcotics Force Symposium to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of drug use within the university community. Director IC, Mr Salman Zafar actively participated in the event, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in fostering a drug-free environment. The symposium aimed to educate and inspire the NUTECH community to adopt healthier, substance-free lifestyles while supporting the broader national efforts against narcotics abuse.
USAID-HESSA 3rd Annual Summit 2024
From July 8 to 11, 2024, Director IC, Brigadier Salman Zafar, and Deputy Assistant Director Industrial Collaboration, Mr Rehan Bashir participated in the USAID's HESSA 3rd Annual Student Support Services Summit, held at the Pearl Continental Hotel, Bhurban. The summit focused on enhancing student support services to foster academic and career readiness across higher education institutions. Their active involvement underscored NUTECH's commitment to aligning with global best practices and further strengthening its student support infrastructure.
Visit to DESCOM HIT to secure funded projects
Director IC, Brigadier Salman Zafar, visited Descom HIT and held a meeting with Brigadier Adnan, Managing Director of Descom. This productive engagement led to the provision of five funded projects and internship opportunities for NUTECH students. The collaboration marks a significant step in fostering practical learning and research opportunities, further strengthening the relationship between NUTECH and Descom HIT in support of academic and industrial excellence.
Visit HESSA Team to finalize strategic planning
On April 30, 2024, a strategic planning presentation was delivered to the HESSA team at NUTECH. The session, aimed at aligning future objectives and enhancing collaboration, was attended by key members of the HESSA team, including Dr. Aslam Chaudhary and Dr. Ayesha Razak. The presentation focused on outlining key strategic initiatives to strengthen student support services and academic excellence within NUTECH, marking an important step in the institution's continuous growth and alignment with HESSA's goals for higher education advancement.
Visit of Karachi Industry for revival of industrial linkages
Director IC, Salman Zafar visited several key industrial organizations in Karachi, including PAPAAM, KATI, ABAD, PCSIR, and TDAP, as part of efforts to establish the NUTECH Karachi Campus (NKC) project and revive industrial linkages. These visits were aimed at fostering collaboration between academia and industry, strengthening ties with local industrial bodies, and exploring opportunities for joint ventures that align with NUTECH’s academic and research objectives. Through these engagements, Brigadier Zafar sought to enhance NUTECH’s industry partnerships, ensuring a robust framework for practical training and research initiatives for students.
Visit of Tunneling Institute of Pakistan
Director IC, Brigadier Salman Zafar, visited the Tunneling Institute of Pakistan to explore prospects for collaboration in advancing education and research in tunneling and underground infrastructure. The visit focused on establishing a partnership that would allow NUTECH students to gain hands-on experience through specialized training programs and internships. By leveraging the Tunneling Institute’s expertise, this collaboration aims to strengthen NUTECH's curriculum, enhance industry-specific skills among students, and promote joint research projects in the field of tunneling and underground engineering. Such a partnership holds the potential to significantly contribute to the development of a skilled workforce in Pakistan's growing infrastructure sector.
Metrology Department Collaboration with JICA Carbon Footprint
Nomination of Dir IC as member of Central Standing Committee of CSR on Higher Education, Science & Technology of FPCCI
On April 8, 2024, Director Industrial Collaboration Salman Zafar, officially joined the CSR Central Standing Committee on "Higher Education, Science & Technology" of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) for the 2024-25 term. His inclusion in the committee highlights a strategic step towards fostering stronger ties between academia and industry, with a focus on advancing higher education, scientific research, and technological innovation in Pakistan. This role underscores his commitment to driving impactful collaborations and contributing to the national agenda of sustainable development through education and technology.
MoU Ceremony between NUTECH and ABAD
On September 16, 2024, a distinguished delegation from the Association of Builders & Developers (ABAD), Pakistan, led by its Chairman, visited the National University of Technology (NUTECH). The visit aimed to explore potential areas of collaboration between NUTECH and ABAD, focusing on strengthening ties with the national construction industry. During their visit, the delegation discussed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and reviewed NUTECH’s advanced capabilities, state-of-the-art laboratories, and innovative projects designed to support the construction sector. This engagement marked a significant step toward fostering industry-academia partnerships for the development of Pakistan’s construction industry.
