The National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), with its mission to transform itself into a comprehensive research-led university, has maintained a focus on technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. Research & Innovation (R&I) Offices, established in 2011 in line with HEC mandate, work with an aim to establish an ecosystem for innovation centric R&D, its commercialisation, and fostering industry-academia linkages on grounds of mutual benefits. R&I Offices/Centres including Research, Innovation & Commercialisation, Placement, University Advancement and Alumni Offices work under the approved policy – by the NUST Academic Council – since April 2012.
The centres promote the spirit of technological innovation, support various research activities, conferences, and workshops. Guidance and support is provided to attract and nurture technology based start-up companies and to transform them into commercially viable enterprises. A technology business incubator, titled as TechOne NUST Incubator (formerly known as Technology Incubation Centre) was also established in 2005. This aids further to create an entrepreneurial culture where start-up businesses are mentored. At the earlier stages of development, intellectual property opportunities are explored and fulfilled. The benefits are transferred to industry by working closely through partnerships, collaborations and licensing. NUST also took the initiative of country’s first university-based National Science and Technology Park (NSTP) for developing an eco-system for technologically advanced R&D and innovation to stimulate growth of high-tech enterprises fostering technological and socioeconomic growth and contributing to development of Pakistan’s knowledge economy. Through establishment of NUST Holding Pvt. Ltd (NHL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NUST, university has also developed a diversified capital of highly experienced academic specialists who have imparted advisories and consultancies in successful business ventures including international firms, public and private sector entities, industries, corporations and individuals.
In order to keep students and working professionals abreast the latest market demands and skills, multiple centres operate to provide short / long term courses. Students are further facilitated by being placed into industries under different employment schemes including internships and full time jobs.
All these synergistic endeavours shape what NUST is today, where quality in teaching and research is met with an unparalleled quest to acquire knowledge and achieve excellence in every domain. The Quadruple Helix Model of Innovation, where academia, industry, government and society work together for development, is well demonstrated through the university’s close interaction and collaboration with all internal and external stakeholders for institutional and national development. A complete ecosystem of innovation & commercialization at NUST has greatly benefited our students and faculty benefit to fully contribute to the knowledge economy thus enhancing the national innovation index. Guided by the vision of innovative, coordinated, open and inclusive development, NUST will strive to steer the economic development, inject strong impetus into socio-economic development of Pakistan and create new opportunities for global development.