We are glad to report on "World Telecom and Information Society Day" that National ICT R&D Fund operations are gaining momentum every day. We intend to follow the theme of this year "Better Life in Rural Communities with ICTs" by funding projects and programs in this area on a priority basis.
Under the National ICT Scholarship Program more than 1,900 merit scholarships have been awarded to students from rural/non-metropolitan areas of the country to pursue undergraduate studies in ICT related disciplines in top universities of the country. This program has also included a capacity development component through which about 2,500 teachers and 36,000 students from underserved areas have been trained. To-date 38 high quality technical R&D projects of about Rs 575 million have also been funded.
We acknowledge the efforts and guidance of the Board of Directors of National ICT R&D Fund, Ministry of Information Technology (Government of Pakistan), Pakistan Telecom Authority Telecom operators, ICT industry, and academia for showing resolve and commitment to support the Fund at all times.
National ICT R&D Fund is committed to developing an ICT-centric research culture within Pakistan. We have made significant contributions by providing funding for concrete ICT-related technical R&D projects. We provide a platform for funding ideas of researchers and academicians for developing ICT related solutions and products. We encourage industry-academia joint partnership to provide solutions to industrial problems and to promote ICT tools in the industrial sector.
We plan to design, develop, and execute new projects, programs, and initiatives which would be beneficial for both industry and academia and play a pivotal role in driving the economic engine of the country. The management is cognisant of the Fund's vision and mission and all measures would be taken to realise the core objectives intended behind its creation by developing ICT-centric R&D ecosystem and subsequent commercialisation approaches for economic prosperity of Pakistan. For available funding opportunities, application process, and to review details of projects already funded by National ICT R&D Fund, please visit www.ictrdf.org.pk