Cybernet hosted senior academic leadership from NED University of Engineering and Technology at its head office for a strategic session focused on strengthening cooperation between academia and industry. The visiting delegation included NED University Vice Chancellor Dr Saad Ahmed Qazi, Prof. Dr Muhammad Ali Ismail and Prof. Dr Muhammad Mubashir Khan, along with members of the university team. During the meeting, Dr Saad presented NED University’s strategic vision for 2025 and 2026, followed by discussions on areas where the university and Cybernet could develop practical collaboration. The engagement centred on creating stronger links between academic research, technology companies and the wider digital ecosystem, with both sides discussing opportunities to support innovation and develop skills relevant to Pakistan’s technology sector.
A key area discussed during the session was joint research and development in deep technology. The proposed areas of cooperation include NED University’s National Centre for Cyber Security, High Performance Computing Centre and Centre for Software Research and Development. These facilities provide a base for research in cybersecurity, computing and software development, and the discussions with Cybernet focused on how industry participation could help translate academic research into practical applications. The meeting also covered potential synergies involving National Incubation Center Karachi, with the two sides considering ways to connect university research and student innovation with startup activity. Such cooperation could provide technology entrepreneurs with greater access to academic expertise while giving researchers and students opportunities to engage with commercial technology requirements.
The discussions also extended to professional development and the preparation of engineering students for the workplace. Cybernet and NED University explored executive upskilling opportunities through NED Academy, which could support professionals seeking to strengthen their technical and managerial capabilities. Industrial mentorship for engineering students was another focus of the meeting, with greater interaction between industry professionals and students discussed as a way to provide practical exposure alongside academic education. Industry mentorship can help students better understand workplace requirements, technology deployment and professional practices while allowing companies to engage with emerging talent at an earlier stage. The engagement therefore covered research, entrepreneurship, professional education and student development as interconnected areas for potential cooperation.
As a follow up to the strategic discussion, NED University invited Cybernet Chief Operating Officer Maroof Ali Shahani and his team to visit the university campus for a detailed tour of its facilities. The proposed visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to examine the university’s research and technology infrastructure and discuss frameworks for turning the areas identified during the meeting into practical initiatives. The visit was coordinated with support from NED University’s Directorate of Industrial Liaison, which works to strengthen connections between the university and industry. Cybernet said the engagement reflected its focus on supporting local talent, innovation and collaboration with academic institutions as Pakistan continues to develop its digital technology ecosystem.
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