The Higher Education Commission (HEC) showcased over 100 technology solutions developed under its Technology Development Fund (TDF), a programme that has so far resulted in 116 patent filings and the creation of 18 start-ups, highlighting a significant push to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application.
According to a report today, the one-day exhibition, titled TDF Impact Showcasing (TIS’25), displayed innovations in critical sectors including Health, Agriculture, Biotechnology, Engineering, and Energy Systems. The event was designed to demonstrate the tangible outcomes of the TDF and facilitate dialogue among government officials, academics, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs.
Addressing the event, HEC Chairman Mr. Nadeem Mahbub described TIS’25 as a testament to the commission”s commitment to fostering a robust collaborative bridge between academia and industry. He stated that the TDF”s mission is to transform ideas into market-ready solutions, empowering universities to become drivers of socio-economic progress.
Mr. Mahbub detailed the programme”s achievements, noting that of the 116 patents filed, 25 have already been granted. The initiative has also led to 48 trademark and copyright filings, 177 product and prototype developments, 162 signed technology licences, and 330 research publications. He added that over 5,600 professionals have received training through the project.
“These achievements are not just numbers, they represent stories of perseverance, collaboration, and belief in Pakistan’s potential,’ the Chairman asserted, urging stakeholders to build new partnerships.
Mr. Imtiaz Ali Rastgar, Chairman of Rastgar Group of Companies, underscored the importance of sustained execution of innovative projects for continuous progress. He called for tangible measures to further consolidate university-industry linkages, such as improving business and entrepreneurship curricula and developing a national strategy to address existing gaps.
Executive Director of HEC, Dr. Zia Ul Haq, reiterated the commission”s commitment to bridging the academic-industrial divide. “HEC urges the industry to open its doors to academia, as the secret of socio-economic development of a country lies in working in tandem,” he stated.
Advisor for Research and Innovation, Dr Muhammad Ali Nasir, described the TDF as a visionary initiative designed to translate academic research into tangible socio-economic impact. He confirmed that the HEC has prepared the planning documents for a second phase of the TDF, which will soon be presented to the government for approval.
Launched in 2016 with a budget of Rs2.9 billion, the TDF was established to facilitate the transfer of knowledge from universities to industry. Of the 238 projects awarded under the fund, 192 have been completed. The programme has been extended until June 2027.