The Pakistan HVACR Society and the University of Central Punjab hosted the HVACR Students Innovation Conference & Project Expo 2025 for the Lahore region, giving students a prominent platform to present research and prototypes that advance HVACR Innovation in Pakistan.
The event was organised under the vision of Society President Engr. Ramzan Sharif to strengthen links between academia and industry and to provide practical exposure to future engineers. Mr. Muhammad Afzaal Malik, Chairman of the Lahore Chapter of the Pakistan HVACR Society, served as the chief guest and underscored the importance of industry–academia collaboration for meaningful HVACR Innovation and job-ready skills.
Distinguished guests included Mr. Tanseer Hussain, Hony. Secretary of the Lahore Chapter, Mr. Waqas A. Farooqi, Mr. Muhammad Yaqoob, Provost of UCP, Dr. Akhyar Farrukh, Director ORIC at UCP, Prof. Dr. Rizwan Shad, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kashif, Head of Mechanical Engineering, alongside faculty from multiple universities and industry representatives.
Students from UET Lahore, UMT Lahore, University of Lahore, Superior University, University of the Punjab, PTUT Lahore and UCP Lahore took part, presenting nine research papers and displaying more than ten projects at the expo. Projects ranged from practical HVACR system improvements to early-stage prototypes aimed at increasing energy efficiency and sustainability.
Mr. Muhammad Afzaal Malik visited project stalls, engaged with participants and offered guidance, praising the creativity and technical rigour shown by the student teams. He highlighted how hands-on events like this accelerate HVACR Innovation by exposing students to real-world challenges and industry expectations.
A panel discussion on Collaborative Innovation explored how academia and industry can jointly drive HVACR transformation, address skills gaps and promote applied research. Panelists from both sectors exchanged practical ideas to foster stronger partnerships and better prepare graduates for evolving industry needs.
At the close of the programme, Provost Muhammad Yaqoob presented shields and cash prizes to the top position holders, while shields were also presented to distinguished guests in recognition of their support. Organisers and participants praised the Pakistan HVACR Society and UCP teams for delivering a focused event that boosts student engagement and practical learning in HVACR.
The conference and expo underlined the growing momentum for HVACR Innovation in Lahore, providing a working model for how universities and industry bodies can collaborate to nurture the next generation of engineers and innovators.
