The Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National University of Technology (NUTECH) and the NED University of Engineering and Technology to establish Pakistan’s first Centre for Industrial Innovation and Artificial Intelligence (CIINAI), aimed at accelerating industrial modernisation through advanced technologies.
The agreement, signed on Thursday, is part of the National Industrial Policy’s vision to strengthen collaboration between industry, academia and research institutions. Under the partnership, PIDC will establish and manage the centre, while NUTECH and NED University will contribute research, technical expertise and innovation support to create a strong link between academia and industry.
The MoU was signed by PIDC Chief Executive Officer Rizwan Ahmed Bhatti, NUTECH Registrar Brig. (Retd.) Salman Zafar and NED University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tufail. The centre will be set up at PIDC’s Korangi Creek Industrial Park in Karachi and will operate as a shared facility for industrial research, training and technology development.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan said the initiative would create new opportunities for engineers, researchers, innovators and industrialists while promoting innovation, technical excellence and workforce development. Equipped with advanced manufacturing equipment and AI-driven technologies, the centre is expected to help integrate Pakistan into the global industrial AI and 3D manufacturing value chain.
CIINAI will provide industrial AI solutions, advanced manufacturing support, applied research and development, technical training and capacity-building programmes under a sustainable operating model. Haroon Akhtar said the centre would improve industrial productivity, enhance product quality, optimise manufacturing processes and strengthen Pakistan’s competitiveness in international markets. He added that the government remains committed to supporting innovation, industrial research and the adoption of advanced technologies through stronger partnerships between industry and academia. – ERMD
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