Research, Innovation & Commercialization
Established January 15, 2018Turning research into real-world impact, connecting INU’s faculty, students and ideas with the industries that can use them.
Research with a destination
The Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) was established at Iqra National University on January 15, 2018, to link research and commercialization at the University with emerging and existing firms across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan. It works closely with researchers, innovators and on-campus developers as a conduit to local, regional and national partners, so that research results in the growth of Pakistan’s economy.
The core purpose of ORIC is to nurture interdisciplinary research cooperation across academia and industry, addressing the challenges the future presents to society and contributing to the nation’s sustainable development goals.
INU-ORIC brings together faculty researchers and students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to work across disciplines and tackle complex industrial challenges in engineering sciences, computing and IT, arts and humanities, social sciences, pharmacy and health sciences.
Why ORIC exists
Mission
Transforming Iqra National University to drive high-impact innovation, applied research and entrepreneurship, promoting a culture of commercialization as well as self-sustainability.
Vision
To enable and lead Pakistan’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy, dependent upon innovation and entrepreneurship, making INU a powerhouse of high-growth innovation.
Where ORIC is heading
ORIC’s objective and its goals for the short, medium and long term, from its five-year strategic plan.
Grow our research and economic development efforts and output so as to improve our industry competitiveness using university innovations, and become the driving force behind research and economic development for Pakistan.
Short term
1–2 years- One-window operation for guidance and information about research opportunities and industrial requirements
- Advisory support and monitoring of research quality, and updating the INU Faculty Research Policy to meet international requirements
- Cultivating linkages with potential users of INU research in industry, NGOs and government
- A target of 200 research papers from 2024, rising by up to 100 papers every year
- A strong link between INU and the National Incubation Centre, Peshawar
- A national or international conference at INU every year or alternate year, with faculty invited from national and international universities
- Meetings with industrialists to bridge the gap between INU and industry, so that final-year projects are prepared in that direction, with Heads of Department involved
Medium term
3–4 years- An online database of faculty who have done research and built linkages with industry
- Facilitating research resources from national and international funding bodies
- Generating revenue from research commercialization and technology transfer
- Implementing the Intellectual Property Policy and revising it every year as requirements change
Long term
5th year- Assessing and updating further ways to strengthen industry–academia linkages for the benefit of both sides
- Preparing and filing provisional patent applications
- Market analyses of university intellectual property
- Strong, long-term ties with national and provincial Chambers of Commerce and Industry
From proposal to partnership
As an umbrella, INU-ORIC works closely with researchers and off-campus incubators as a conduit to local, regional and federal partners, so that research serves the growth of Pakistan’s economy. It is developing its mechanism for research commercialization and working to establish a business and technology incubator for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Research Development & Operations
Innovation
Research Commercialization & Entrepreneurship
ORIC is expected to
- Secure funds for contractual research
- Generate revenue from research commercialization and technology transfer
- Secure investment for incubatees
- Create jobs and internships
Supporting Researchers
- 01
Assisting in the formation of research groups across INU’s academic fields
- 02
Identifying research opportunities for faculty members
- 03
Providing guidelines for applying to research grants
- 04
Introducing incentive policies for faculty to write proposals and win research grants
- 05
Offering legal, administrative and financial management support for research grants
- 06
Serving as the focal point for research-related liaison with funding agencies
Building Industry Connections
- 01
Establishing national and international collaborations through MOUs with public and private industry and universities
- 02
Strengthening university–industry linkages
- 03
Supporting commercialization and licensing of university research products
- 04
Arranging research seminars and conferences
- 05
Creating awareness of ongoing research across the university
- 06
Working to bring INU’s research quality in line with international standards
- 07
Advancing an anti-plagiarism culture across the university
What ORIC can do for you
For faculty, students and partners: from finding a grant to licensing an invention or starting a company.
- 01
Fund raising for research
- 02
Information for faculty about available research grants
- 03
Linking faculty with relevant industry
- 04
Help and guidance on patent filing and licensing
- 05
An interface between faculty and the commercial sector
- 06
Working with patent counsel to assess patentability and licensing
- 07
Evaluating markets for the commercialization of inventions
- 08
Identifying potential licensees
- 09
Negotiating the terms of licences
- 10
Assistance with negotiating problematic sponsored research agreements
- 11
Helping faculty start companies
Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats
ORIC’s analysis of the University, from its five-year strategic plan (2024).
Strengths
- Highly qualified international and national faculty
- The only institute offering Art & Design and Media Studies & Mass Communication in the region
- Links with different foreign universities
- Many literary, dramatic, scientific, software and photographic societies
- Opportunities for research and development
- Highly cooperative and motivated faculty and staff
- A spacious campus
- PEC, NCEAC, NBEAC and HEC recognised, degree-awarding university
- All classrooms equipped with multimedia, audio and video teaching aids
- High-tech electronic, scientific and computer labs in all departments
- A well-furnished library with free access to the digital library
- Good interaction between students and teachers
- Many scholarship programmes for students
- Two operational campuses (Peshawar and Swat) and one under construction (Mardan)
Weaknesses
- No campus in a foreign country
- International ranking in terms of QEC
- Hostels are not enough for all students
- Underfunding in many departments and programmes
- Lack of HEC funding as a private-sector university
Opportunities
- Continuing education for intellectual enrichment, for people of all ages
- Building an undergraduate experience from best practices across the country
- More conversations and partnerships with local employers in the private, non-profit and public sectors, so that students are more appealing to them
- Free training programmes under NAVTTC and UNHCR for deprived students and marginalised communities, since 2020
Threats
- New local private institutions also offering graduate programmes
- Development of a new government university in the region, and the opening of the Mardan Campus
- Risk of losing prominent faculty to genuinely better opportunities at other universities
- Growing competition from nearby private universities
Conclusion
The analysis shows that INU Peshawar has good potential to match its strengths to its opportunities and minimise the threats. Overall, INU can be a trend setter in the region, and can lead in disciplines such as Media Studies and Fashion Design.
How the office is organised
Every position reports to the Director ORIC, functionally and administratively.
The people behind ORIC
Dr. Engr. Muhammad Waqas
Deputy Director ORIC
At ORIC since April 2026
Ms. Anum Hamid
Manager, Innovation & Commercialization
MS Media and Journalism
At ORIC since October 2019
anumhamid@inu.edu.pkMs. Wajeeha Usman
Publication & Communication Specialist
MS English (Linguistics)
At ORIC since October 2019
wajeehausman@inu.edu.pkEngr. Naqash Ahmad
Assistant Manager, Innovation & Commercialization
MS Construction Engineering and Management
At ORIC since November 2022
naqqashahmad@inu.edu.pkEngr. Muhammad Omair
Research Associate
BS Civil Engineering
At ORIC since November 2022
omair@inu.edu.pkMr. Fazal Hassan
Assistant Director ORIC, INU Swat Campus
Mr. Musharaf Khan
Accountant (Manager, Accounts)
At ORIC since December 2019
ORIC Steering Committee Revised notification, 14 June 2024
Members
- Dr. Malik Taimur AliChair · Vice Chancellor, INU Peshawar
- Mr. Umer Bin TouqeerChair from Industry · Deputy Director, NADRA Provincial Headquarters, Peshawar
- Dr. Engr. Mohsin TahirSecretary · Registrar, INU Peshawar
- Dr. Adil AdnanDean, Management Sciences, INU Peshawar
- Dr. Atif IshtiaqChairman, Department of Computer Sciences, INU Peshawar
Industrial Advisory Board (external members)
- Ms. Bushra MustafaProduct and Services Lead, Code for Pakistan, Durshal
- Mr. Sohail KhanProducts Specialist and Trainer, NetSol Technologies
- Mr. Jawad KhanManager Internship Program, KPIT Board
- Miss Maha MuradIncharge Training and Development, FF Steel Peshawar
- Mr. Najm Ul SaherAssistant Manager Fundraising, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, Peshawar
- Prof. Shakil Ahmad NisarAssociate Director PR and Linkages, FES Higher Education Consultants
- Mr. Khair Ul BasharProject Manager, Hashoo Foundation
- Dr. Abid NaeemDeputy Director Fibre Optics, PTCL Peshawar Zone
Terms of reference
- Setting strategic goals and priorities for research, innovation and commercialization
- Guiding and supporting research teams and innovators throughout development
- Identifying and using opportunities for collaboration, inside and outside the University
- Assessing the feasibility and potential impact of research and innovation projects
- Facilitating the commercialization of promising technologies
2nd International Multidisciplinary Conference (INUMDC-25)
The 2nd International Multidisciplinary Conference brought together national and international scholars, researchers, industry professionals and university leadership for two days of keynote addresses, technical presentation tracks, panel discussions, PhD symposiums and networking, as a cross-disciplinary platform to bridge the gap between academic research and practical industry solutions.
“Synergy and Innovation: Understanding and Bridging the Gaps between Academia and Industry”
Research papers presented
Disciplinary tracks
Parallel sessions across 3 venues
PhD symposiums
Keynote speakers
- Dr. Muhammad ZahidDean Management Sciences, Bahria Business School, Bahria University IslamabadHow Higher Education can put Sustainability to Practice
- Dr. Muhammad Tahir JanAssociate Professor, International Islamic University MalaysiaCircular Economy Marketing: Strategies for a Sustainable Future
- Dr. Zafar Ahmed SiddiquiDirector ORIC, ISRA University HyderabadImpact of Best Practices in Business in Sustainability and Growth in Pakistan
- Dr. Asif NawazHigher Colleges of Technology, RAK Campus, UAEApplications of Artificial Intelligence in Engineering
- Dr. Zahoor Ali KhanAcademic Program Chair, Higher Colleges of Technology, UAEConverging Signals: BASNs at the crossroads of IoT, AI, and e-Health
Research tracks
- Computer Science & AI
Glaucoma detection, CNN-based skin cancer classification, YOLOv8 smart agriculture models and malware detection.
- Media & Communication Studies
Climate change coverage, minority representation, political discourse, community radio and social media engagement.
- Allied Health Sciences & Engineering
ctDNA cancer detection, advances in ultrasound and medical imaging, and geopolymeric water desalination membranes.
- Management Sciences, English & Mathematics
Consumer behaviour, AI in education, predictive crop-yield modelling and language learning frameworks.
Highlights
- Inaugural address by the Vice Chancellor, and a keynote by Dr. Muhammad Zahid laying out a roadmap for academia–industry collaboration
- A panel discussion moderated by Ms. Anum Hamid on frameworks for connecting university research outputs with industry needs
- Two online keynote addresses connecting delegates with international perspectives
- Two parallel PhD symposiums for doctoral candidates to defend and refine their research
- Art & Design products showcased by the Department of Art & Design
- A Qawali Night and a gala dinner for delegates, session chairs and organisers
Chief Organizer Dr. Alam Zeb Khattak, Joint Organizer Dr. Qaiser Mehmood, Assistant Director ORIC Mr. Fazal Hassan and Manager Industrial Linkages Ms. Anum Hamid, with the session chairs, co-chairs and university administration.
Research, linkages and outreach across INU
30 seminars, trainings, project showcases, MoU signings and outreach events at the Peshawar and Swat campuses, from August 2024, as recorded by the ORIC office.
Radiation Awareness: Benefits, Hazards and Protective Measures
Dr. Malik Taimur Ali, Vice Chancellor of Iqra National University, was invited as the Chief Guest to the specialised training session on “Radiation Awareness: Benefits, Hazards, and Protective Measures”, organised by the ORIC Department of the Virtual University of Pakistan in collaboration with the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA).
Source: Iqra National University INU-Official, Facebook4th Meeting of the ORIC Steering Committee
Chaired by the Vice Chancellor, the Steering Committee reviewed the responsibilities assigned for the 2nd International Multidisciplinary Conference, confirmed the keynote speakers, the panel discussion and its moderator, the paper titles, sessions and chairs, the hall plan and the conference schedule for 18–19 September, and heard the CDC’s update on the organising committees.
Source: ORIC minutes, Ref. INU/ORIC/25-004/SCArt & Design products for showcasing at INUMDC 2025
ORIC met the Department of Art & Design to review the showcase already held at UET Peshawar and to plan the display of Art & Design products at INUMDC 2025, with emphasis on creative practice and design innovation for the fashion, textile and interior industries, commercialisation of products, copyright checks, and registration of intellectual property for original designs.
Source: ORIC minutes, Ref. INU/ORIC/25-012Two-day OBE training, Computer Science Department
The Computer Science Department organised two-day Outcome-Based Education training for its faculty and staff on 19–20 August 2025, conducted by Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Imran Ahmad (UET Peshawar), to prepare for OBE implementation from Fall 2025, a positive step in the NCEAC accreditation process.
Source: Computer Science Department-INU, FacebookIndependence Day with the Welfare Foundation Odigram
INU Swat Campus commemorated Independence Day on 14 August 2025 in collaboration with the Welfare Foundation Odigram, with speeches by INU faculty and the Foundation’s representatives on national unity and the country’s progress.
Source: Iqra National University – Swat Campus, FacebookMarqa e Haq Independence Day Celebration 2025
INU took part in the Marqa e Haq Independence Day Celebration organised by the Higher Education Regulatory Authority (HERA) and hosted by CECOS University. The INU delegation won first prize in the Speech Competition and second prize in the Quiz Competition among the participating universities of the region.
Source: INU Public Speaking Club, FacebookMoU with NGEN Software for the ODL programme
Vice Chancellor Dr. Malik Taimur Ali and the Focal Person for ODL, Dr. Sheeraz Ahmed, signed an MoU with NGEN Software to obtain the learning management system for the Open and Distance Learning programme launched in Fall 2025 at INU Peshawar.
Source: Iqra National University INU-Official, FacebookStudent debate: ethical issues in society and public health
The School of Nursing and ORIC at the Prof. Dr. Shahjehan Campus organised a student debate on “Various Ethical Issues in Society and Their Relation to the Field of Public Health”. Faculty judged the presentations and debate, and winners received shields; Assistant Director ORIC Mr. Fazal Hassan and Assistant Director QEC Mr. Faiz Ullah were invited guests.
Source: Iqra National University – Swat Campus, FacebookInternational Nurses Day: “Our Nurses. Our Future”
The School of Nursing celebrated International Nurses Day, with an oath-taking ceremony by nursing students and leading academics, heads of hospitals and directors as speakers and guests.
Source: Iqra National University INU-Official, FacebookWorking with industry, government and the community
Agreements, research links, funded training and student innovation projects facilitated through ORIC, and the policy documents ORIC has put to government.
National agreements with industry, government and community
Research links in Pakistan
Trainees in 8 NAVTTC-funded programmes
Student projects funded by IGNITE and NGIRI, 2019–2022
Policy advocacy documents submitted by ORIC, INU Swat Campus (2025)
- “Strengthening Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) for Ethical Health Research in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa”To: Health Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa · 31 March 2025
- “Fostering University–Industry Collaboration for Sustainable Business Growth in Pakistan”To: Directorate of Commerce and Industries, Peshawar · 31 March 2025
- “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education and Research for Pakistan’s Digital Future”To: Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Government of Pakistan · 4 April 2025
- “Enhancing Nursing Education and Professional Standards in Pakistan”To: Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) · 4 April 2025
Agreements at national level
- FF Steel Peshawar
- Hashoo Foundation
- Aspire Leaders Program for Pakistani Students
- Institute of Management Sciences (IMS), Peshawar
- KP Export Processing Zone Development & Management Company
- FES Higher Education Consultants Pvt Ltd., Lahore
- Martin Dow Marker Ltd., Karachi
- METIS Business Solutions, Islamabad
- Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry
- Google Development Group, Peshawar
- FastMove Packages Pvt. Ltd., Peshawar
- University of Sialkot
- National Vocational & Technical Training Center, Peshawar
- Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital, Peshawar
- Youth Advocacy Council, Peshawar
- ABACUS Consulting
- School of Excellence in Education & Development Studies
- Public Health Engineering Department
- National Institute of Banking & Finance Pakistan
- Center for Research and Security Studies
Research links
- Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (2018)Electrical Engineering · Student internships
- Centre for Research and Security Studies (2018)Counter-radicalisation and cross-border engagement · Capacity-building workshops, research and advocacy
- National Institute of Banking and Finance (2018)Academic linkages · National Literacy Program for Youth
- Khwateen Rozgar Services (2019)Employability · Promoting the employability of women
- Design Management and Development Consultancy (2020)Civil Engineering · Innovative technologies leading to research
- FF Steels (Pvt) Ltd (2021)Electrical, Civil, Management Sciences · Stronger ties between industry and academia
- Golra Builders (2022)Civil Engineering · Research collaboration
- Institute of Management Studies, Peshawar (2023)Academic linkages · Capacity-building initiative for business-school faculty
NAVTTC-funded skills programmes
- Kamyab Jawan, Batch 1
- Hunarmand Pakistan Program, Cohort B (Peshawar)
- Hunarmand Pakistan Program, Cohort B (Swat)
- Skills for All Program, Batch 3
- NAVTTC–UNHCR Training Program, Cohort D
- Skill Development Program, Batch 4
- NAVTTC–UNHCR Training Program for Afghan Nationals, Cohort E
- Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Program, Batch 1
International partnerships with universities are listed on the International MoUs page.
Faculty Research Publications
Browse the complete archive of journal articles published by INU faculty, searchable by researcher, department, journal, and year, and updated as new work is published.
Publications
Contributing faculty
Departments
Figures for ORIC’s research groups, MOUs, seminars, grants and commercialization projects will be published here once confirmed by the ORIC office.
Where INU’s research happens
Management Sciences
Computer Sciences
Art & Design
Allied Health Sciences
Engineering & Technology
Have Research Worth Exploring?
ORIC works with faculty and students across every school at INU to take research further, from funding to commercialization.