Pakistan has taken a major step toward advancing industrial technology and digital transformation with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the country’s first Center for Industrial Innovation and AI (CIINAI). The initiative aims to integrate artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing technologies, applied research and technical training under a single platform to improve industrial productivity and strengthen Pakistan’s global competitiveness.
Landmark Initiative for Industrial Development
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan described the establishment of the Center for Industrial Innovation and AI as a historic milestone for Pakistan’s industrial sector.
He said the government is committed to strengthening partnerships between industry, universities and research organisations to accelerate innovation, enhance manufacturing capabilities and promote sustainable industrial growth.
According to the statement, the new centre will serve as a national hub for industrial innovation by bringing together modern technologies, research expertise and workforce development initiatives under one roof.
Centre to Be Established at Korangi Creek Industrial Park
The Center for Industrial Innovation and AI (CIINAI) will be established by the Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) at its Korangi Creek Industrial Park in Karachi.
The facility will function as a common resource centre for industries, offering advanced technological services and specialised training programmes to manufacturers and industrial enterprises.
Officials said the centre will support businesses by providing industrial artificial intelligence solutions, advanced manufacturing technologies, research and development (R&D) services, and technical capacity-building programmes.
The project is expected to help local industries adopt modern production methods, improve operational efficiency and enhance product quality in line with international standards.
Focus on AI and Advanced Manufacturing
A key objective of the Center for Industrial Innovation and AI is to promote the integration of artificial intelligence into Pakistan’s manufacturing sector.
The centre will facilitate the use of AI-driven technologies to optimise production processes, improve quality control, reduce operational costs and increase industrial efficiency.
In addition to AI applications, the facility will support research in advanced manufacturing technologies, helping industries embrace automation, digitalisation and smart manufacturing practices.
Experts believe that adopting these technologies can significantly improve productivity while enabling Pakistani manufacturers to compete more effectively in international markets.
Strengthening Industry-Academia Collaboration
The initiative also seeks to strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions and the industrial sector.
Through the partnership, NUTECH and NED University will contribute academic expertise, research capabilities and technical knowledge to develop practical industrial solutions.
The collaboration will encourage applied research that directly addresses the technological needs of local industries while providing students and researchers with opportunities to work on real-world industrial challenges.
Officials said closer cooperation between universities and industry is essential for developing a skilled workforce capable of supporting Pakistan’s industrial modernisation agenda.
Training and Research Opportunities
Besides research and technology development, the centre will offer specialised technical training programmes aimed at enhancing workforce skills.
These programmes are expected to help engineers, technicians and industrial professionals gain expertise in artificial intelligence, automation, advanced manufacturing systems and other emerging technologies.
The centre will also support innovation by providing businesses with access to modern equipment, research facilities and expert guidance to develop new products and improve manufacturing processes.
Officials believe these initiatives will contribute to higher productivity, greater innovation and increased industrial competitiveness.
MoU Signed by Three Institutions
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by PIDC Chief Executive Officer Rizwan Ahmed Bhatti, NUTECH Registrar Brigadier Salman Zafar (Retired) and NED University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Tufail.
The agreement formalises cooperation among the three institutions for the establishment and operation of the Center for Industrial Innovation and AI, which is expected to become a key platform for promoting technological advancement and industrial innovation in Pakistan.
The initiative reflects the government’s broader strategy to encourage digital transformation, strengthen research and development, and build a technology-driven industrial ecosystem capable of supporting long-term economic growth.
Key Messages from the Report:
- Pakistan has signed an MoU to establish the country’s first Center for Industrial Innovation and AI (CIINAI).
- The initiative is a collaboration between PIDC, NUTECH and NED University.
- CIINAI will be established at Korangi Creek Industrial Park in Karachi.
- The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, applied research and workforce training.
- It aims to strengthen industry-academia collaboration, improve industrial productivity and support Pakistan’s long-term industrial modernisation.