Mapping Pakistan: LUMS launch Tech for People Initiative

Google funds project with Rs10 million.

LAHORE:


“A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with the Punjab government to foster culture and promote tourism in the province. Google is committed to helping Pakistan progress,” said Google’s Public Policy and Government Affairs senior analyst William Fitzgerald while launching Technology for People Initiative (TPI) at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) on Wednesday.


Under the umbrella of the LUMS Research Initiative on Internet and Society, which was launched last week, the TPI is a joint venture between LUMS and Google. According to Fitzgerald, TPI has received Rs10 million funding from Google. Fitzgerald said the funding aimed to create collaborations and assist in implementation of projects. “Our maps were also helpful to the Army and helped disaster management efforts especially during the floods,” he said.

LUMS School of Science & Engineering Dean Dr Sohail Qureshi said he was looking forward to the partnership with LUMS.

Department Chair Dr Sohaib Khan said the focus in TPI would be on research and development projects. He said there were many areas especially in the health and education sectors where such initiatives could help in monitoring.


Vice Chancellor Dr Adil Najam said, “We want to talk about innovation and how we can make it real for Pakistan.” He said technology had empowered people by bridging physical distances and connecting them digitally. Dr Najam said in collaboration with Google, LUMS hoped to connect people and make innovation relevant to society.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2012.

Correction: The article was revised to make the following changes:

- The title of the article was changed as LUMS launched the initiative; Google only provided seed funding.

- The MoU has been signed to promote culture and tourism; the street views have not been launched yet.

- Fitzgerald did not say they have worked with the Army; only the maps were helpful for them.
Load Next Story