President International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi has emphasized the role of the Science Technology & Business Space (STBS) as a bridge between academia and industry, facilitating interaction among faculty, researchers, and students on various technological and non-technological projects. He was speaking after inaugurating the STBS at news campus of the IIUI on Tuesday. The event was attended by key IIUI officials including Vice President Administration & Finance/Academics, Prof. Dr. Abdul Raheman, Vice President Research and Enterprise, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, Director Business Incubation Centre, Engr. Ahsan Mirza, Incharge Female Campus, Dr. Summiya Chughtai, and Director ORIC, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Amir. Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi highlighting the importance of universities understanding their roles and aligning with modern trends stated that the IIUI was focusing on innovation, industry-academia linkage, and societal service through the promotion of digitization, innovation and commercialization ecosystem within the organization.

He said the inauguration of the STBS was an important step in IIUI's efforts to enhance industry-academia cooperation, which will support the university’s mission to stay at the forefront of modern educational trends and economic uplift. Vice President Research & Enterprise, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, explained that the STBS aims to provide job and internship opportunities and stimulate economic activities through collaborative projects between academia and industry/market place. He noted that this initiative is part of the strategic plan introduced by the IIUI President to advance the university’s future goals and progress.  He added that by integrating start-ups, faculty spin-offs, and corporate sector presence in the STBS, the university aims to create a robust environment for research, innovation, collaboration and commercialization which is crucial for national economic growth and development.

STBS, spanning over two floors with a coverage area of 20,000 sq ft, is a pilot project for IIUI's Science, Technology and Business Park. STBS was conceived and developed by the Vice President (Research & Enterprise) as part of the University's enterprise drive with the support of the University's Business Incubation Centre. On the occasion, Director Business Incubation Centre, Engr. Ahsan Mirza, who was also appointed as first Director of STBS briefed the IIUI President about the industrial front offices, business incubation enterprises and start-ups within the STBS. He discussed how the STBS will enhance knowledge-based activities in the University. Engr. Mirza also mentioned that the STBS was one of the three technology parks established in universities in Islamabad.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan