Shahid Ul Islam
Director, ORIC
The establishment of the Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) within the framework of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) reflects a strategic initiative aimed at harnessing the intellectual capabilities of academia to drive outcome-oriented education and contribute to the economic advancement of universities. Kohat University of Science & Technology (KUST) is deeply committed to sustaining and enhancing its research endeavors, fostering faculty and student development for the attainment of elevated objectives, ultimately positioning KUST as a nationally and globally recognized institution of higher learning.
The overarching vision of ORIC is to cultivate an environment wherein research scholars, faculty members, and students actively engage with industry stakeholders, fostering collaborative efforts in the pursuit of innovative technologies and ideas. The dissemination of research and development activities at KUST serves to inform and inspire faculty members, detailing ongoing and completed projects, as well as highlighting linkages with external institutions. This transparent approach facilitates the exploration of additional funding opportunities for market-driven research, innovation, and commercialization.
In alignment with the commitment to instill and promote a robust research culture, ORIC endeavors to motivate faculty and students to submit research projects that have the potential to elevate the university's standing. KUST aspires to play a pivotal role in the economic development of the country, with ORIC serving as a key facilitator in achieving this objective. The Office will persistently strive to fulfill its objectives and goals through the dedicated efforts of its team, faculty, and researchers.
The ORIC model, as established in developed countries, envisions a seamless communication channel between businesses, industries, and academic experts. These collaborations are designed to address industry-specific demands and challenges, providing a platform for researchers to propose viable solutions while securing necessary funding. In tandem with global practices, Pakistani universities, including KUST, have instituted their own ORICs, thereby aligning their efforts with national development priorities.
KUST's mission revolves around providing top-tier education within an environment driven by research and innovation. ORIC serves as a catalyst in elevating educational and research standards at KUST, facilitating linkages with industries to transform research projects into tangible products for potential commercialization. The establishment of industrial linkages is recognized as a pivotal factor in contributing to the economic growth of the nation. ORIC at KUST is steadfast in its commitment to develop, enhance, and administer research initiatives, aligning them with the university's and society educational, social, and economic imperatives. Upholding academic freedom, professional integrity, and ethical conduct, ORIC ensures that all research activities at KUST adhere to the policies and guidelines set forth by the HEC.
Dr. Jawad Ashraf
Manager, Industrial Linkage
The foundation of the economy is academics and manufacturing connection. The businesses of each developed country overcome their economic issues by means of their financial assets i.e. Academics.
Half of the population was unemployed in 2018, and about half a million graduates in Pakistan were unemployed (Source: Daily Times Pakistan), which can be solved through strong academic and industrial connections.
These are the programs of great interest to us:
Develop, expand, enhance and administer research programs at university
Directly link research activities to the education, social, and industry sectors.
Foster and enhance multidisciplinary research initiatives
Increasing external research funding
Diversifying the external funding for research
Translating research to the benefit of the public Internships
Technology Transfer
On the one hand the industry faces a lack of good human resources and inventions and, on the other hand, well-trained PhDs and students do not gain any recognition for their noble work. This dilemma cannot be denied. They face a threat of their creations being stolen when they are discovered. ORIC can ensure that both issues are overcome by focusing on following:
Promoting entrepreneurship, technology-transfer and commercialization activities which improve and support the economy
Complete mentoring on how to get the research commercialized
Faculty, business and industry mobilization
Easy access to government authorities and industries
Coaching, mentoring and training sessions
Intellectual Property and Legal services
