Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University’s National Center of Industrial Biotechnology (NCIB) held its second Scientific and Industrial Advisory Board meeting to review progress, set future priorities, and strengthen partnerships with industry. During the meeting, NCIB signed strategic memoranda of understanding with four private-sector partners to support research, field trials and commercialization of biotech products aimed at boosting Pakistan’s bio-economy and sustainable agriculture.
The PSDP-funded project, titled Establishment of National Center of Industrial Biotechnology for Pilot Manufacturing of Bioproducts Using Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering Technologies, hosted the SIAB session to evaluate ongoing work and chart the Center’s next steps. The board assessed project milestones, technical progress and plans for scaling pilot manufacturing capabilities.
NCIB formalized collaborations with M/S Shimadzu & Wali Group, M/S Biodyne, M/S Orbit Seeds Pvt. Ltd., and M/S Infinity Grow Pvt. Ltd. These MoUs are intended to enhance research and development, enable field testing, and speed the transfer of innovations from laboratory to market. The partnerships are expected to provide industry input to product development and help create pathways for commercialization.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar uz Zaman said the establishment of NCIB demonstrates the university’s commitment—through its project team, project director, director of planning and development, and director ORIC—to applied research and stronger industry linkages. He emphasized the Center’s potential to contribute to Pakistan’s bio-economy and sustainable agricultural growth by translating scientific advances into practical solutions for farmers and businesses.
Technical Director Prof. Dr. Abida Raza outlined NCIB’s roadmap and sustainability plan, describing strategies for building industry partnerships and delivering specialized training under the NCIB Scientific Skill Development Program Initiative. She also detailed plans to offer advanced analytical and technical services to academia, industry and farming communities to support innovation, quality control and commercialization efforts.
Members of the SIAB praised NCIB’s vision and pledged continued support for its initiatives. They underscored the importance of technology transfer and capacity building to promote industrial biotechnology across Pakistan and accelerate the development and adoption of locally produced bioproducts.
