Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) has launched the 5th Cohort at its Q. Zaman Business Incubation Center (BIC), reaffirming its commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship among students and young professionals. The event was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman, who was joined by university deans, directors, and faculty members, underscoring the institution’s dedication to fostering a dynamic entrepreneurial environment.
During the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman engaged directly with the newly incubated startup teams. Each group had the opportunity to present their business models and innovative ideas, as well as share updates on their progress. The Vice Chancellor expressed his admiration for the students’ creativity and entrepreneurial drive. He highlighted the vital role that entrepreneurship plays in building a resilient and self-sufficient economy, encouraging young people to pursue innovation and self-employment. He also reiterated the university’s commitment to providing resources, mentorship, and institutional support to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Prof. Dr. Khalid Saifullah Khan, Director of the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC), provided an overview of the selection process for the 5th Cohort. This year, the incubation center received more than 70 applications from young innovators representing a wide range of backgrounds. After an initial screening, 30 startups were invited to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges. Ultimately, 15 promising ventures were chosen for the program and will undergo a six-month incubation period.
These selected startups will receive access to dedicated workspaces, mentorship in business development, specialized training sessions, and valuable networking opportunities through the Q. Zaman BIC platform. The initiative aims to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem within the university and to empower young innovators to transform their ideas into successful businesses.
