ASPIRE Pakistan arranged an ORIC/BIC leadership moot to attend the brainstorming session on the topic of Industry Academia Gap and how overseas Pakistanis can help in bridging this gap.
ASPIRE Pakistan is a 501c3 compliant nonprofit organization (registered in the USA) of passionate overseas Pakistanis with a vision for a socially and economically prosperous Pakistan through innovation and entrepreneurship.
ASPIRE’s mission is to accelerate the growth of the knowledge economy in Pakistan by leading the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem, while connecting stakeholders and creating socioeconomic prosperity in an equitable and sustainable manner.
To achieve its mission, ASPIRE Pakistan engages all stakeholders, including academia, business/industry, government, overseas Pakistanis, on-ground experts, and relevant organizations, in an effective partnership, enhancing individual potential into collective opportunities.
In his welcome note, Hassan Syed, Founder and Chairperson of ASPIRE Pakistan appreciated Vice Chancellor NED University, Prof. Dr. Sarosh Hashmat Lodi, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tufail Jokhio, and Dr. Riaz Uddin for hosting the event.
He wished special thanks to Prof. Dr. Bhawani Shankar Chowdhry for being the catalyst and a mentor to him.
The meeting was also attended by visiting Dr Azam Arastu, President Apex Consultants, and Vice President (Retired) – Boeing Space & Defense Systems Los Angeles, California (USA). The national idea bank Pakistan and Aspire Pakistan are the brain child of Dr Azam Arastu and Mr Hassan Syed.
Everyone participated well and contributed intellectually with an open mind. During the conversations, the following ideas were identified and discussed as potential valuable activities that could help:
• Problem Solving Competitions to engage industry in solving industry problems and promote innovative thinking among students.
• Faculty Training Program on Problem Statements and Market Definition to have better quality final year projects.
• Develop a framework of engagement and develop best practices
• Publish a list of innovative minds and annual awards to recognize innovators
• Develop and maintain a central place for all grant opportunities and list of highly innovative projects seeking funding
• Perform portfolio assessment for existing inventions and research to help in developing commercialization roadmaps
• Offer courses through industry experts as part of a visiting faculty program in which overseas Pakistanis can offer advanced knowledge of technology and leadership.
ASPIRE Pakistan is committed to developing vibrant innovation ecosystems throughout Pakistan and Academia is to play a leadership role in instilling a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Our team of dedicated volunteers from 20+ countries will work on these ideas further and convert them into sustainable programs that can be offered to the partnering universities.