About Us

About Us

ORIC Operations

Vision Statement

To be the catalyst of transformative research and innovation that shapes industries, empowers entrepreneurs, and delivers real-world impact

Mission Statement

To drive UCP’s research excellence through strategic partnerships, IP generation, and sustainable commercialization, fostering a future-ready ecosystem where ideas evolve into enterprises

ORIC Operations

About ORIC

The Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC) at the University of Central Punjab (UCP) serves as the driving force behind the university’s research and innovation ecosystem. Guided by a clear vision of becoming a catalyst for transformative research and innovation, ORIC positions UCP as a hub where groundbreaking ideas not only advance academic knowledge but also shape industries and empower entrepreneurs with real-world impact.


In alignment with the Higher Education Commission’s mandate, ORIC provides strategic, organizational, and technical support for all research activities at UCP. It ensures that faculty and students are equipped to pursue high-quality research, generate intellectual property, and translate discoveries into solutions that benefit both society and the economy. By fostering strategic partnerships and supporting sustainable commercialization, ORIC reinforces UCP’s mission of building a future-ready ecosystem where ideas evolve into enterprises.


Anchored in the UCP Five-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2029), ORIC’s efforts are centered on six key areas: Research Excellence, Commercialization and Intellectual Property, Industry–Academia Linkages, Entrepreneurship and Startups, Infrastructure and Core Facilities, and Internationalization. Together, these pillars provide a structured pathway for turning knowledge into impact, reinforcing UCP’s role as a leader in research-driven societal development.

Pro-Rector’s Message

At the University of Central Punjab (UCP), we strongly believe that research and innovation are the driving forces of progress in higher education and society. It gives me immense pride to see the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) playing a pivotal role in strengthening UCP’s vision of academic excellence, knowledge creation, and societal impact.

ORIC has become a vital platform for enabling cutting-edge research, industry partnerships, and entrepreneurial ventures. By nurturing creativity and collaboration, it empowers our faculty, researchers, and students to transform their ideas into solutions that address both national and global challenges.

As a forward-looking institution, UCP is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, inclusivity, and innovation in all its academic and research endeavors. I encourage our academic community and external partners to actively engage with ORIC’s initiatives and contribute to a knowledge ecosystem that drives sustainable growth.

Together, let us work towards a future where UCP stands as a beacon of research excellence and innovation-led development.

Dr. Hammad Naveed
Pro-Rector
University of Central Punjab

Pro-Rector’s Message
Dr. Hammad Naveed

Director’s Message

It is an honor to lead the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) at the University of Central Punjab (UCP), an institution that values entrepreneurial spirit, research excellence, and impactful innovation. At UCP-ORIC, our mission is to serve as a catalyst for transforming knowledge into practice by connecting academic research with industry, government, and society.

Since its inception, ORIC has been dedicated to building a vibrant ecosystem of discovery and commercialization. We support our faculty and students in advancing groundbreaking research, protecting intellectual property, and creating opportunities for startups and industry collaborations. By facilitating these pathways, ORIC ensures that innovations emerging from UCP contribute meaningfully to the national economy and global knowledge community.

Our strength lies in strategic partnerships and forward-looking initiatives that bring together researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. With a clear vision for the future, ORIC is committed to enabling impactful research outcomes, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, and positioning UCP at the forefront of innovation-led growth.

I invite all members of the UCP community and our external partners to collaborate with ORIC and be part of this journey towards building a knowledge-based economy for Pakistan.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh
Director ORIC
University of Central Punjab

Director’s Message
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh

Our Team

To be the company our customers want us to be, it takes an electric group of passionate operators. Get to know the people leading the way at Oric.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh

Director ORIC and Research

  • University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Ext: #709
Adeel Ahmad

Adeel Ahmad

Manager (Journals & Conferences)

  • University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Ext: #379
Dr. Faiza Anum

Dr. Faiza Anum

Research Associate (FIPP & Industry Academia Linkages (IAL)

  • University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Ext: #671
Faiza Qayyum Khan

Faiza Qayyum Khan

Research Associate (Research)

  • University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Ext: #343
Nagina Rafiq

Nagina Rafiq

Innovation and Communications

  • University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Ext: #343
Malik Abdul Rahim

Malik Abdul Rahim

Research Associate (Commercialization & Consultancy)

  • University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Ext: #379

ORIC Steering Committee

Dr. Hammad Naveed

Pro-Rector, Chair – UCP

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh

Director ORIC, Member/Secretary – UCP

Prof. Dr. Hafiza Rizwana Kausar

Dean, Member – FOST, UCP

Mr. Iftikhar Hussain

CEO, Co-Chair – Europetroleum

Mr. Naveed Ashraf

Senior Manager R&D, SRC Pvt. Ltd

Dr. Ahmad Junaid Rasheed

Associate Director Quality Operations, Genetics Pharma

Syed Abdullah Bukhari

Founder & Group CEO – Enrichers Investment Group

Mr. Muhammad Nabeel

Co-founder & CTO – Healthwire

Abdul A. Khurram

Director – Technical Water Care Services

Dr. Saleha Waqar

Director Training & Development – VMS

Mr. Ahmed Umair

CEO – Vital Agri Nutrients Ltd

Mr. Raffay Bin Rauf

Head of Sustainability – Sapphire Mills

Mr. Sarim Mehmood

CEO – Fruits of Sustainability

Mr. Ameer Ahmad

CEO – Aroome Engineering Pvt. Ltd

Rana Faisal Shabbir

Director, Member - Rana Rice Mills