Trainings Events Exhibitions

ORIC’s International Seminar on Smog Pollution in Lahore

Posted on January 20, 2026January 20, 2026 by Haris

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.

ORIC-UCP Successfully Conducted Smart Organic Soap Formulation Workshop (whitening, anti-acne, and glow booster soap)

Posted on December 22, 2025May 15, 2026 by Rashid

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

ORIC-UCP Successfully Concludes Business Model Design & Product Commercialization Workshop

Posted on December 12, 2025May 15, 2026 by Rashid

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.

Hands-On SPSS Workshop

Posted on November 21, 2025May 20, 2026 by Haris

ORIC UCP Organizing Hands-On SPSS Workshop: Step-by-Step Data Analysis

The Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), University of Central Punjab, is organizing a hands-on SPSS Workshop: Step-by-Step Data Analysis to enhance participants’ practical skills in data management and statistical interpretation using SPSS.

Led by Ms. Hafsa Ihsan, Lecturer, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the workshop will focus on real-world applications in pharmaceutical and biomedical research, enabling participants to analyze, interpret, and present data effectively for research and publication purposes.

The session will be held on November 21, 2025 (11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) at Computer Lab B (CL-203), UCP. A participation fee of Rs. 1,000/- will be charged, and certificates will be awarded to all participants.

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your research and analytical skills through an immersive learning experience.

UCP at Print Pak Exhibition 2025 – Showcasing Innovation & Creativity!

Posted on November 15, 2025May 13, 2026 by 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.

Session on HEC NRPU 2025–26 Call for Proposals

Posted on October 8, 2025May 20, 2026 by Haris

UCP ORIC Organizes Information Session on HEC NRPU 2025–26 Call for Proposals

The Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) at the University of Central Punjab (UCP) organized an Information Session on the Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) National Research Programme for Universities (NRPU) 2025–26 Call for Proposals on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

The session was jointly led by the worthy Pro-Rector, Dr. Hammad Naveed, and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh, Director ORIC, who guided faculty members on developing successful research proposals for national funding.

The session highlighted the importance of research excellence, innovation, and national relevance in academic initiatives, encouraging faculty to align their projects with Pakistan’s developmental priorities and societal needs.

1st Computational Chemistry Software Hands-On Training

Posted on September 16, 2025May 20, 2026 by Haris

The Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (UCP ORIC), in collaboration with the Department of Basic & Applied Chemistry (FOST), University of Central Punjab, Lahore, is organizing the 1st Computational Chemistry Software Hands-On Training on September 16, 2025 (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM).

The training will provide practical exposure to advanced computational tools including Gaussian, GaussianView, Avogadro, ORCA, and Quantum Espresso, offering participants an excellent opportunity to strengthen their research skills in computational chemistry.

1st Computational Chemistry Software Hands-On Training Workshop Held at UCP

Lahore, September 16, 2025 – The Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), in collaboration with the Department of Basic & Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science & Technology at the University of Central Punjab (UCP), Lahore, successfully organized the 1st Computational Chemistry Software Hands-On Training Workshop on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

The workshop was conducted under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh, HOD, Department of Basic & Applied Chemistry and Director ORIC, University of Central Punjab (UCP).

The day-long session, held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., was led by Dr. Muhammad Perviaz, Associate Professor, Chemistry, and provided participants with comprehensive training on five premium computational chemistry software tools: Gaussian, GaussianView, ORCA, Quantum Espresso, and Avogadro. These software packages were offered free of cost to all attendees for learning and practice purposes.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members and students representing leading institutions including FCCU, WCUF, UET, UoL, PU, and GCUL.

Through hands-on exercises and expert guidance, participants gained valuable technical skills in computational chemistry applications.

Beyond skill-building, the workshop served as a platform for fostering collaborations between universities, research institutions, and industries. Discussions were held on initiating joint research projects, offering academic support to students, and developing future collaborations to strengthen research capacity and innovation in the field of computational chemistry.

4th Technical Workshop on EndNote X8 & Generative AI 2025

Posted on August 28, 2025May 20, 2026 by Haris

Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) in collaboration with the Department of Basic & Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology (FOST), successfully organized the 4th Technical Workshop on EndNote X8 & Generative AI 2025 on August 28, 2025, at the University of Central Punjab.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh, Director ORIC and Head of the Department of Basic & Applied Chemistry, in his opening remarks highlighted that the workshop was designed to strengthen research capacity by providing hands-on training in EndNote X8 for efficient reference management and citation formatting, along with an introduction to Generative AI tools for research writing, data handling, and academic productivity, with a strong emphasis on their ethical and responsible use.

A total of 47 participants from 10 universities across Pakistan attended, reflecting strong interest in advanced digital tools for research.

The sessions were led by Dr. Muhammad Afzal and Dr. Muhammad Riaz (EndNote X8) and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh (Generative AI).

The workshop was smoothly organized by Dr. Muhammad Afzal, Dr. Muhammad Riaz, Dr. Muhammad Perviaz, and Mr. Malik Abdul Rahim, whose efforts ensured effective planning and support.

In the closing ceremony, Prof. Dr. Hafiza Rizwana Kausar, Dean FOST distributed certificates among the participants.

Attendees expressed appreciation for the valuable exposure to modern research tools that can significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of academic work.

Industrial Session on Advanced Analytical Techniques

Posted on August 13, 2025May 20, 2026 by Haris

Department of Basic & Applied Chemistry and ORIC Host Industrial Session on Advanced Analytical Techniques

The Department of Basic and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science & Technology, in collaboration with the Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC), University of Central Punjab (UCP), organized an engaging industry–academia session featuring Mr. Shahid Ali Mahmood, Manager RSL at TTI Testing Laboratories, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience.

The session, held on August 13, 2025, offered participants a deep dive into advanced analytical instrumentation, including HPLC, LC-MS, LC-MS/MS, GC-FID, GC-MS, and GC-MS/MS. Mr. Mahmood shared practical insights on operational protocols, industrial applications, and the significance of these techniques in modern analytical laboratories.

In his concluding address, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh, Head of Department and Director ORIC, appreciated the guest speaker’s valuable contribution and urged students to actively engage in hands-on industrial and instrumental training, aspiring to become researchers who make meaningful societal contributions.

The event was coordinated by Dr. Muhammad Perviaz, Associate Professor, and Mr. Usman Idrees, Lecturer.

ORIC UCP Launches Summer Course on Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Startup Launch

Posted on August 11, 2025May 20, 2026 by Haris

Day 1 & 2

The Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization at the University of Central Punjab, in collaboration with industry partners, is offering a two-week certified summer course designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into viable startups.

The course will start on 11 August 2025 and includes ten sessions spread over two weeks. It covers business idea validation, legal and intellectual property frameworks, commercialization models, startup funding, and hands-on product development. Participants will gain practical experience and insights into building and scaling real ventures.

The program is open to students, researchers, early-career professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs. The fee for the course is ten thousand rupees. Prospective students applying to UCP for Fall 2025 and current chemistry students may be eligible for a special discount. The last date to register is 9 August, 2025. Interested individuals can scan the QR code in the flyer to complete the registration process. This course offers an excellent opportunity to develop essential entrepreneurial skills and prepare for a successful business journey.

Summer 2025 Course – “Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Startup Launch” Kicks Off at UCP

The Summer 2025 course “Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Startup Launch” officially began on August 11, 2025, at the Takhleeq Basement Boardroom under the supervision of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), University of Central Punjab. The session commenced with a brief overview of the course by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh, Director ORIC – UCP, who highlighted the importance of entrepreneurial thinking, innovation, and market-driven skills for aspiring business leaders.

The first lecture was delivered by Mr. Yaser Amir Awan, Director Research and Innovation – Takhleeq, focusing on “From Idea to Business – Entrepreneurial Thinking & Opportunity Recognition”. His session covered the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, the entrepreneurial mindset and startup culture in Pakistan, problem identification and market needs, business idea generation and validation, customer discovery, target market analysis, and a feasibility checklist with initial cost estimates.

The second lecture, led by Muhammad Javed Afzal, Regional Chief (Central Region) – SMEDA, explored “Entrepreneurship as a Career Option”, inspiring participants to pursue innovation-driven ventures and transform creative ideas into sustainable business opportunities.

This engaging opening day set a dynamic tone for the rest of the summer course, aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools to launch successful startups.

Day 3

ORIC Summer 2025 Course – Revenue Models and Financial Strategy

The Summer 2025 course “Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Startup Launch” featured an engaging session on Revenue Models and Financial Strategy by Dr. Amina Rizwan, Assistant Professor – University of Central Punjab. The lecture guided participants through selecting effective revenue models, understanding their mechanics, and aligning them with market needs.

Key topics included subscription, product sales, licensing, commission, and hybrid models, along with strategies for financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, break-even analysis, and exploring funding options. Practical exercises enabled participants to apply these concepts to their own startup ideas, enhancing their ability to build sustainable and scalable businesses.

The session was smoothly coordinated by Ms. Nagina Rafiq, Research Associate – ORIC UCP, as part of ORIC’s ongoing initiatives to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with essential business skills.

Day 4

ORIC Summer Course 2025 – Branding, Intellectual Property Protection & Patent Filing

The Summer 2025 course “Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Startup Launch” continued with a focused session on Branding, Intellectual Property Protection, and Patent Filing at the Takhleeq Basement Boardroom, organized under the supervision of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), University of Central Punjab.

Dr. Raja Irfan Sabir, Professor (Innovation & Marketing), FOMS – UCP, delivered the first lecture on “Branding and Intellectual Property Protection”, emphasizing the role of branding in shaping customer perceptions and building market trust. He also explained key intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and best practices for protecting brands in both physical and digital spaces.

The second lecture by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh, Director ORIC – UCP, on “Patent Filing and Real-World Examples” guided participants through patent eligibility, filing processes with IPO Pakistan, and shared practical examples of patentable innovations.

The session was coordinated by Ms. Nagina Rafiq, Research Associate – ORIC UCP, ensuring smooth facilitation as part of ORIC’s initiatives to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity.

Day 5

Week Two Highlights – Session on Product Compliance & Standards

The second week of the Summer 2025 course “Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Startup Launch” continued with an insightful session on “Understanding Product Compliance & Standards”, held in the Building C Common Room.

Mr. Majid Raza led the session, emphasizing the importance of aligning with local and international regulatory frameworks such as PSQCA, FDA, ISO, and GMP requirements. Participants gained practical knowledge on certification essentials for chemical and body care products, licensing procedures for regulated and non-regulated items, and the application process for obtaining a PSQCA license.

The discussion also highlighted documentation and compliance protocols—including applications, inspections, self-evaluations, and quality certifications—ensuring participants understood both the procedural requirements and the strategic value of adhering to product standards in today’s competitive markets.

Day 6

Hands-on Product Development Session Marks Day Six of Entrepreneurship Course

The sixth day of the ongoing course “Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Startup Launch” organized by the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), UCP, featured an engaging and highly practical session led by Prof. Dr. Aziz-ur-Rehman, Director/Chairperson, Department of Chemistry – Institute of Chemical Sciences, GC University Lahore.

The session offered participants an invaluable hands-on experience in product formulation, focusing on the development of everyday consumer items such as hand wash and dishwash liquids. The participants were guided through the entire process of formulation, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between active and inactive ingredients, as well as the scientific principles underlying pH balance, product stability, and viscosity control.

A special focus was placed on safety, shelf-life, and the role of preservatives, equipping participants with the knowledge required to create consumer-ready products that align with industry standards. The practical exposure allowed learners to not only understand theoretical concepts but also apply them directly in a laboratory setting—bridging the gap between science and entrepreneurship.

At the conclusion of the session, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh, Director ORIC, presented a souvenir to Dr. Aziz-ur-Rehman in appreciation of his contribution to the course and his efforts in fostering product development skills among the participants.

The day underscored the course’s mission of transforming innovative ideas into market-ready products, providing participants with real-world insights into consumer product development and entrepreneurial innovation.

Day 7

Entrepreneurship Course Showcases Pilot-Scale Production at UCP’s In-House Facility

The seventh day of the ongoing course “Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Startup Launch”, organized by the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), UCP, provided participants with an immersive experience in body care product formulation and small-scale production at UCP’s In-House Facility.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh, Director ORIC at UCP, introduced participants to the essentials of small-scale and industrial equipment, followed by a practical demonstration of blending, mixing, heating, and filling techniques available at UCP. The training focused on bridging laboratory-scale product development with pilot-scale production, enabling participants to understand how entrepreneurial ideas are scaled into commercially viable products. He also guided in-house QC checks (pH, analysis, TDS, viscosity) and SOPs to ensure product quality, safety, and compliance.

Prof. Dr. Aziz-ur-Rehman guided participants through the formulation of moisturizing lotion. The session emphasized the careful selection and balance of ingredients to achieve both functional performance and consumer appeal.

This comprehensive hands-on session not only exposed participants to the formulation of cosmetic products but also highlighted the practical workflow of product development and production, aligning entrepreneurial innovation with industry practices.

Day 8

Entrepreneurship Course Explores Digital Design & Visual Storytelling

As part of the ORIC Summer Course “Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Startup Launch”, an engaging 08th session on development of company logo and visual storytelling for social media design was conducted on August 21, 2025.

The session was led by Mr. Ahsan Raza, Graphic Designer, Communications Department, UCP who guided participants through the essentials of visual storytelling and digital design. The lecture combined theory with practice, covering core design principles such as contrast, alignment, and proximity, while also demonstrating how to use emotion, color, and layout to strengthen a brand’s digital identity.

Participants gained hands-on training in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, learning typography choices, color palette selection, visual hierarchy, and pre-publishing checks to ensure high-quality, platform-optimized content. Practical tips for using social media visuals to engage audiences on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn were also shared.

The session was coordinated by Ms. Nagina Rafiq, Research Associate – ORIC

Day 9

ORIC’s Entrepreneurship Course Concludes with Certificate Distribution Ceremony at UCP

The ORIC Summer Course “Entrepreneurship: From Idea to Startup Launch”, organized by the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), UCP, successfully concluded on August 21, 2025, with a formal certificate distribution ceremony. This was the first-ever course of its kind at UCP, designed to equip students with practical entrepreneurial knowledge and hands-on skills.

Dr. Hammad Naveed, Pro-Rector UCP, shared the University’s vision for entrepreneurship, stressing the need to prepare graduates to create jobs rather than seek them, thereby contributing to innovation and sustainable economic growth. He also awarded certificates to all participants in recognition of their successful completion of the program.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh, Director ORIC, presented an overview of the intensive two-week program, which featured 12 sessions over 8 days, conducted by eight distinguished resource persons from UCP and partner institutions. The course addressed a broad spectrum of themes, including entrepreneurial thinking, business model development, financial strategies, product compliance, branding, intellectual property, product development, pilot-scale production, and digital design skills.

The course underscored UCP’s strong commitment to cultivating an entrepreneurial ecosystem and empowering students with the competencies to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures.