Author: Rashid

The University of Central Punjab proudly participated in Print Pak Exhibition 2025 at Lahore, presenting a remarkable array of projects and innovations from multiple departments.

Highlights of UCP’s participation include:

• Mechanical Engineering (FOE): CNC Engraving/Router, CO2 Electrolyzer, Fruit & Vegetable Dehydrator, Air Purifier, and Smart Logistics AGV.
• Food & Nutritional Sciences (FOST): Innovative food products developed at the Center of Food Innovation and Commercialization (COFIC-UCP), receiving great interest from industry experts and visitors.
• Faculty of Media Studies (FOMS): Creative projects including OSAI, KAAGHAS & CO, GLOWE, ARTFUL DUO, and selected patents of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh, Director ORIC.

The exhibit garnered enthusiastic feedback from industry leaders, academics, and visitors, exploring possibilities for future collaborations, commercialization, and research opportunities.

We are proud to see UCP faculty and students making a strong impact through innovation, research, and entrepreneurship on such a prestigious platform.

The Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) and the Faculty of Science and Technology (FOST) successfully organized a seminar titled “Smog Pollution in Lahore: Causes, Consequences, and Control (From Sampling to Solutions)” on 15 January, 2026, at University of Central Punjab, Lahore.

The guest speaker, Dr. Haider A. Khwaja, an Associate Professor at Department of Environmental Health Sciences from the University at Albany, USA, shared expert insights into the environmental challenges of smog. The discussion moved from scientific sampling to practical solutions, highlighting the university’s commitment to addressing local environmental issues under the joint project started in 2023 between University at Albany, USA and UCP, Lahore. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh and Dr. Haider A. Khwaja are principal investigators of the joint project.

The session was honored by the presence of the Pro-Rector, Dr. Hammad Naveed, who graced the event along with Prof. Dr. Hafiza Rizwana Kausar (Dean, FOST), Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh (Director ORIC), Representative from EPA, HODs, Faculty Members and Students. Dr. Hammad Naveed provided the closing remarks for the session. The seminar received an overwhelming response with around 145 registered participants, leading to a house-full venue.

The Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC), University of Central Punjab, successfully organized a Smart Organic Soap Formulation Workshop on 22 December 2025 at the Biochemistry Lab, B-Building, UCP. The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation of over 65 students and professionals from UCP and several external institutions, highlighting its interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral outreach.

The workshop was conducted by Dr. Sadia Zulfiqar (Faculty of Science & Technology, UCP), who delivered comprehensive hands-on training on whitening, anti-acne, and glow booster organic soap formulations, along with quality testing and packaging techniques.

The session concluded with a Certificate Distribution Ceremony, where certificates were awarded to all participants by the Director ORIC, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh. During his address, he highlighted the role of ORIC-UCP in promoting research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and capacity-building through regular trainings, workshops, and industry-linked initiatives, and encouraged participants to actively engage with ORIC platforms to transform innovative ideas into impactful products and startups.

The workshop was successfully coordinated and managed by Ms. Nagina Rafiq, Research Associate, ORIC-UCP

The Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC), University of Central Punjab, successfully concluded the two-day Business Model Design and Product Commercialization Workshop on 12 December 2025.

On Day 2, Dr. Amina Rizwan delivered advanced sessions on product pricing, financial feasibility, commercialization pathways, go-to-market strategies, pitching, negotiation, and industry collaboration. Participants took part in mock pitching exercises and practical discussions on scaling startups within the local business ecosystem.

Key outcomes of the workshop included:

• Development of commercialization roadmaps
• Improved understanding of pricing and financial feasibility
• Enhanced pitching and negotiation skills
• Exposure to industry-oriented startup strategies

The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session, followed by appreciation of participant engagement and learning outcomes. Certificates of Participation were awarded to all attendees.

ORIC remains committed to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization culture at UCP through such impactful capacity-building initiatives.