University of Agriculture Faisalabad Delegation Visits PAF-IAST Haripur
Pak-Austria Fachhochschule: Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (PAF-IAST), Haripur, welcomed a delegation from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). The delegation was led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali.
The visit focused on knowledge exchange, institutional collaboration, innovation, and academia-industry linkages.
Strengthening Institutional Collaboration
During the visit, both institutions discussed opportunities for collaboration in applied research and technology-driven education. The discussion also focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry-oriented academic practices.
The PAF-IAST team briefed the delegation on the institute’s Fachhochschule model. This model promotes practical learning, applied sciences, research commercialization, and strong industry engagement.
Briefing on the Special Technology Zone Ecosystem
The delegation received a detailed briefing on PAF-IAST’s Special Technology Zone ecosystem. The briefing covered its operational framework, governance structure, incubation model, and applied research approach.
The role of the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) was also discussed. STZA supports innovation-led growth, startup development, technology transfer, and research commercialization.
Campus and Facilities Visit
The UAF delegation also visited key academic and research facilities at PAF-IAST. These included the Smart Classroom, Data Center and High Performance Computing (HPC) facility, and the Sino-Pak Center for Artificial Intelligence.
The delegation also visited the Business Incubation Center (BIC) and Faculty Innovation and Technology Park (FITP). During the visit, the team learned about incubation support, startup development, industry collaboration, and commercialization initiatives.
Focus on Agri-Tech and Innovation
The interaction created new opportunities for collaboration in Agri-Tech innovation. Both institutions discussed the use of artificial intelligence, applied research, and emerging technologies in agriculture.
The visit also highlighted areas such as startup development, research commercialization, student engagement, and talent development.
Participants
The session was attended by Rector PAF-IAST Prof. Dr. Mohammad Mujahid and Project Director Dr. Nasser Ali Khan. Deans Dr. Sharifullah Khan, Dr. Sadaf Zaidi, and Dr. Arshad Hussain also attended the session.
Advisor Dr. Abdul Ghafoor, Manager FITP Dr. Haider Khalil, and Manager ORIC Dr. Rana Asad were also present. Members of the visiting UAF delegation and representatives from STZA also joined the session.
Way Forward
The visit opened new avenues for meaningful collaboration between PAF-IAST and the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Both institutions aim to promote innovation, research commercialization, startup growth, and skills development.
This collaboration can support Pakistan’s innovation-driven economy and create new opportunities in Agri-Tech, artificial intelligence, and applied research.