The National University of Technology (NUTECH) is a higher education institution with national accreditation from both the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC). Located in Islamabad, NUTECH operates under the administration of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST). With the goal of attaining global recognition as an institution dedicated to applied research, NUTECH was founded as a groundbreaking “industrial university,” with the aim of engendering, advancing, and disseminating present, emergent, and forthcoming technologies within the nation. At present, we are engaged in the generation of a proficient labor force, with a focus on the development of accomplished engineers, technicians, and researchers. Our efforts are directed towards achieving the goal of producing skilled personnel that excels in their respective fields.
The significance of research and innovation cannot be overstated as both serve as crucial antecedents to a nation’s progress by establishing a framework and impetus for achieving technological advancement. NUTECH endeavors to make a contribution towards the enhancement of Pakistan’s technology industry by leveraging industry engagement, comprehensive problem analysis, and innovative approaches. In 2019, NUTECH established the NUTECH ORIC (NORIC) with the aim of promoting research and innovation among the faculty and students. The NORIC was developed to create strategies and processes in collaboration with various stakeholders to further facilitate research and innovation endeavors. NORIC occupies a significant position in the fulfillment of NUTECH’s vision by establishing fruitful collaborations with both domestic and international universities, research and development industry and industry associations, with the aim of fostering innovative research.
The primary objective of NORIC is to ensure the attainment of superior standards of research in science and effectively transform the resultant research endeavors into commercially feasible and tangible merchandise, with the overarching aim of bridging the gap between academia, industry and government. The objective of our mandate is to strengthen and streamline the dissemination of original, economically viable, environmentally sound, and locally adapted remedies to various industries by means of scientific inquiry. The NUTECH Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (NORIC) has carried out a series of visits and exchanges with several industry sectors, associations, and zones. Additionally, NORIC has conducted several symposiums to actively investigate and identify the extant gaps. Furthermore, our objectives include instigating the appropriate measures for fostering a suitable environment for research within NUTECH. Additionally, we prioritize engagement with industry to cultivate mutually beneficial associations and ascertain pertinent industry requirements. In light of the foregoing, NORIC will adopt a strategic and operational approach to providing support for the research activities of the university, thereby fulfilling a pivotal function in advancing the university’s research outcomes. The research agenda ought to concentrate on the conversion of knowledge into innovation by means of generating products and enhancing production procedures with the ultimate outcome of influencing the economy, as well as serving the collective welfare. The possible realization of NORIC’s proposed strategic plan is expected to yield a favorable impact on research and innovation advancement.
The competitive edge possessed by NORIC lies in its proficient leadership team, burgeoning industrial connections, and a strategically situated campus locality. In addition to this, the provision of quality technical education with a professional emphasis renders it a plausible provider of solutions within the academic realm to meet the needs of the industry. In accordance with the “Triple Helix Model,” NORIC is actively engaged in efforts to facilitate collaboration among the academic, governmental, and industrial sectors. The aim of these initiatives is to bridge the gap between these distinct spheres.
To promote transfer of NUTECH research endeavors to local and global industry for turning innovations and entrepreneurship into products and businesses to benefit society
Research and innovation are the crucial precursors of country’s development as they define its pace in pursuit of technological growth. Keeping this overarching thought at its backdrop, NUTECH has remained resilient in playing its fundamental role in improving technological sphere of Pakistan through its research activities and innovative approach. It acquaints researchers with their relevant departments, areas of research and most importantly the industry. NORIC was established at NUTECH in 2019 with role to uplift academicians and students, facilitator to define strategy and processes with the collaboration of all stake holders. NORICs mission is to ensure quality research in academia and bring these efforts into commercial market in a tangible and meaningful output. It bridges the academia with industry, government and multinational agencies. During this short span of time, NORIC has worked on facilitating its faculty and students in doing high impact factor quality research while protecting their intellectual property rights. NORIC views “Student Startups” as key contributors to global economic and social development of a country; for which Student Startup Business Centre will be started soon. These centers will inculcate the culture of innovation, research and commercialization through entrepreneurship amongst youth and nourishing them to be a productive entity. NORIC provides an aid in uplifting the standards of education and research at NUTECH, and establishing linkages with industries for possibly converting research projects into products that could lead to its commercialization. I believe our envisaged roadmap, once materialized over the coming years, would contribute positively towards growth of local industry and national economy.
The leadership of NORIC demonstrates notable levels of expertise, possessing a comprehensive understanding of industry dynamics, and displaying adequate familiarity with governmental policies and limitations. Leveraging their respective backgrounds and wealth of experience, these individuals are utilizing their expertise to strategically devise a pragmatic and judicious plan of action to attain the NUTECH ORIC objectives.
NORIC is headed by Pro Rector NORIC, Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Asif Aslam who is an engineer by profession and a graduate of PAF College of Aeronautical Engineering. He has more than 30 years of experience in engineering domain and has previously headed appointments related to technology, research, design and commercialization. Pro Rector NORIC is assisted by three Directors. Director Innovation & Commercialization, Air Commodore Muhammad Irfan Anjum, an aerospace engineer by profession and Graduate of PAF Collage of Aeronautical Engineering. He has more than 25 years of experience in engineering domain and has previously headed appointments related to technology, research, design and commercialization. Director Research, Brig. Dr. Atif Ali, has vast experience in the field of Control systems and its applications. He is a graduate of NUST (National University of Sciences and Technology) and BUAA (Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics), China. Director Industry Collaboration, Brig. Salman Zafar, Director of Industrial Collaboration at NUTECH, brings 30 years of leadership experience and an MPhil in International Security from the University of Nottingham, UK, with research expertise in Environmental Security. He advocates the Triple Helix Model, aiming to align academia and industry objectives to foster sustainable growth and development.
Top tier of NORIC leadership is amply qualified and experienced in technology, research and innovation management and is well equipped to steer it in the right direction.
PRO RECTOR NORIC
Director NEIC
Director Industrial Collaboration
Director Research
OIC NIC
DD Industrial Collaboration
