Federal Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, recently visited the National Center of Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) to assess progress and discuss strategies for technological advancement.
During the visit, Minister Iqbal highlighted the pivotal role of centers like NCAI in shaping Pakistan’s technological landscape and driving economic growth through innovation and product commercialization. He stressed the importance of collaboration between academia and industry to leverage technology for advancements across various sectors.
Furthermore, Minister Iqbal urged the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to expedite decisions related to sustainability and funding for these centers. He emphasized the need for swift action to ensure the success of initiatives aimed at commercializing tech products and fostering knowledge co-creation.
Additionally, updates on collaborative agreements and initiatives, including NCAI’s partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, were discussed during the visit. The briefing also highlighted achievements and initiatives of other national centers, such as the National Center of Robotics and Automation and the National Center of Cyber Security.
Minister Iqbal’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to advancing technology and fostering digital innovation to propel Pakistan towards a knowledge-based economy.
