Islamabad and Haripur: F’abad Agri University team visits key institutions

FAISALABAD: A high-level delegation from University of Agriculture Faisalabad visited key national innovation and technology institutions in Islamabad and Haripur to explore collaboration in innovation, research commercialization, technology transfer, and startup development.

The delegation was led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali and included, Director ORIC Dr. Sultan Habibullah Khan, Executive Director Endowment Funds Secretariat (EFS) Dr. Babar Shahbaz, Director Business Incubation Center (BIC) Dr. Hammad Badar, Director Planning and Development Irfan Abbas, Director Farms Dr. Muhammad Aslam, Dr. Muhammad Naveed from Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences; and Deputy Treasurer, Asim Raheel.

The visit began at the head office of (STZA), where the delegation met with Chairman STZA Azfar Manzoor, Member Zones Aamer Saleemi and other senior officials. STZA briefed the delegation on its mandate and ongoing efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali highlighted UAF’s research and innovation strengths and shared the progress and potential of the UAF Agritech Park. STZA officials appreciated UAF’s vision and noted the strategic importance of the Agritech Park, already notified by STZA.

The delegation then visited (NUST) where Dr. Rizwan Riaz, Pro Reactor Research, Innovation and Commercialization welcomed them Technology Park and briefed them on NUST ecosystem and its operational model and success stories. Both sides discussed collaboration in startup support, research commercialization, and innovation ecosystem development. They also explored joint working groups, the Twin Lab concept, student internships, AI and agriculture research, joint projects, and startup development, with special focus on strengthening the Agritech Park at UAF, already notified by, as a national hub for agritech innovation. The delegation visited NUST Technology Park and other related facilities.

The delegation later visited National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP), where they received a detailed briefing on the park’s innovation ecosystem, strategic initiatives, and technology development programs, including the Green AI Project. The visit offered valuable insights into technology park development and reinforced UAF’s commitment to innovation-led growth, agritech entrepreneurship, and national partnerships.

On the second day of the visit, the delegation visited National Radio and Telecom Corporation (NRTC), Haripur, where they were briefed on the organization’s operational capabilities, innovation initiatives, and role in supporting indigenous technological development. The visit provided valuable insights into industrial innovation, technology commercialization, and practical models of industry-led research and development.

The delegation also visited Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (PAF-IAST), Haripur, where they received a briefing on the institute’s academic model, applied research programs, industry linkages, and innovation ecosystem. The visit highlighted the importance of practice-oriented education, industry-academia collaboration, and technology-driven skills development in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

At the end, in a meeting with STZA Chairman and Member Zones, Vice Chancellor thanked STZA in arranging the visit. He expressed his keen interest in continued working with STZA and other institutions.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026