Bahria University recently hosted AUREX 2026, described as one of the first events in Pakistan dedicated solely to the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Twin technologies. The international symposium, held under the banner of AUREX, which stands for Aura and Excellence, brought together leading academicians, researchers, industry professionals, innovators, and students from across Pakistan for an extensive exchange of knowledge on the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence and digital twin systems. The event reflects the growing momentum behind Bahria University’s Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, which has been at the forefront of applied AI research in areas spanning machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, and quantum computing.
A highlight of AUREX 2026 was a panel discussion titled “Digital Twin Revolution: Skills, Industry Demand, and Research Opportunities in Pakistan,” moderated by Dr. Shoab A. Khan, Chief Executive Officer of CARE Private Limited and Chancellor of the CASE university. The panel brought together Vice Admiral Abid Hameed, Rector of Bahria University, Fizza Amjad, Chief Executive Officer of ATOMCAMP, Ajmal Anwar Awan, Chief Executive Officer of TELECODIA and former Director General of NADRA and former Member of the IT and Telecom Ministry, and Dr. Mirza Omer Beg, Chief Artificial Intelligence Strategist at NOVASPHERE SOL. The discussion explored the current state of digital twin adoption in Pakistan, the skill sets required to support the industry’s growth, and the research opportunities available for academics and practitioners looking to contribute to this emerging field.
Bahria University’s Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence serves as a platform where experts and researchers from various domains of artificial intelligence work collaboratively to develop smart solutions for a wide range of research challenges. Using techniques in machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, natural language processing, embedded systems, augmented and virtual reality, robotics, data mining, and quantum computing, the centre offers solutions relevant to Industry 4.0, Health 4.0, financial technology, smart agriculture, and surveillance. The AUREX symposium provided a natural extension of this work by creating a forum where academic research could be examined alongside industry needs and national policy priorities, helping to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and real-world deployment.
The future of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in Pakistan is being shaped by leaders who have built and governed it at scale, and AUREX 2026 presented a powerful platform for that conversation to take place. As Pakistan continues to position itself as a hub for technology and digital innovation, events such as AUREX play an important role in building the national knowledge base, identifying talent pipelines, and fostering collaboration between universities, government agencies, and the private sector. Bahria University, as a federally chartered institution established by the Pakistan Navy, is increasingly asserting itself as a key driver of applied research and technological capacity building in the country.
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