Pakistan, Cambridge collaborate on Rs3.5b advanced materials initiative

First exchange cohort, demonstrators, patents to launch in 100 days

The University of Cambridge in the UK and Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, have signed a historic memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote collaboration in Materials Science and Emerging Technologies, a move aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s research capacity and international academic partnerships.

The agreement, signed in London, will support the launch of a Rs3.5 billion joint initiative under the URAAN Pakistan PSDP to establish an Institute of Advanced Materials Sciences — the first-ever collaboration of its kind between a Pakistani public-sector university and Cambridge.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, present at the ceremony, described the partnership as a “historic step toward building Pakistan’s knowledge economy.” He said the collaboration would link Pakistani universities with international accelerators, venture funds, and technology partners, strengthening academia–industry ties and promoting the commercialization of research.

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The QAU-Cambridge partnership includes:

• $0.7 million for faculty and student exchanges, joint research programs, and technology transfer pathways.

• Focus on clean energy materials, aerospace composites, healthcare technologies, digital innovation, and advanced manufacturing.

• Commitment to launch the first exchange cohort, industry-backed demonstrators, and a structured patent pipeline within 100 days, marking a leap toward an innovation-driven, globally competitive Pakistan.

Simultaneously, another MoU was signed between Cambridge Enterprise Ltd, UK, an affiliate of Cambridge University, and the Pakistan Institute for Development Economics (PIDE), Islamabad, aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The partnerships reflect Pakistan’s push to enhance research, innovation, and technology commercialization while fostering international collaboration in frontier scientific disciplines.

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Pakistan’s partnerships with institutions like the University of Cambridge and Cambridge Enterprise Ltd come at a critical time, as the country grapples with stagnation in research, innovation, and high-value industry.

Nadeem Javaid, Vice Chancellor of PIDE, has highlighted that Pakistan risks being caught in the “Middle-Income Trap,” where growth stalls despite rising costs and ambition outpacing capacity.

Initiatives such as joint research programs, faculty exchanges, and technology transfer pathways aim to break this cycle by building human capital, fostering innovation, and linking academia with industry crucial steps toward transforming Pakistan’s knowledge economy and creating a globally competitive, innovation-driven future.