A delegation from Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) visited International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) to strengthen collaboration in semiconductor education, research, innovation, and workforce development as part of Pakistan’s efforts to build a globally competitive semiconductor ecosystem. The delegation represented the Placement, System Administration, Technical, and Finance teams of the National Semiconductor Human Resource Development Program (NSHRDP) and visited the Centre for Advanced Electronics and Photovoltaic Engineering (CAEPE) along with the Business Incubation Center and Science, Technology and Business Space (BIC STBS) at IIUI on August 3, 2026. The visit highlighted the importance of closer collaboration between academia and government institutions to support the development of semiconductor technologies and skilled human resources in Pakistan.
The PSEB delegation was welcomed by Engr. Muhammad Ahsen Mirza, Director of BIC STBS, Ms. Sana Mirza, Deputy Director of BIC STBS, and other members of the IIUI team. During the visit, discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between academia and industry while exploring opportunities to enhance semiconductor education and research in Pakistan. Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, Vice President Research and Enterprise and Executive Director of CAEPE, shared insights into the country’s evolving semiconductor ecosystem and emphasized the need for stronger academia industry collaboration to develop a future ready semiconductor workforce. He highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts between educational institutions, government organizations, and industry stakeholders to build the technical expertise required for the continued growth of Pakistan’s semiconductor sector. The discussions also explored ways to support innovation and entrepreneurship through collaboration between research institutions and technology focused organizations.
During the engagement, the PSEB delegation presented an overview of INSPIRE, the Initiative to Nurture Semiconductor Professionals for Industry, Research and Education. INSPIRE is Pakistan’s flagship semiconductor initiative being implemented by PSEB under Ministry of IT and Telecommunication with the objective of developing skilled professionals for the country’s growing semiconductor industry. The delegation outlined the objectives of the program and discussed how collaboration with academic institutions can contribute to strengthening research capabilities, technical education, and industry readiness. The initiative aims to support the development of a highly skilled talent pool capable of meeting future industry requirements while encouraging innovation, advanced research, and technology driven entrepreneurship. Through partnerships with universities and research centers, the program seeks to enhance semiconductor education and create stronger connections between academic learning and industry needs.
The visit concluded with both organizations reaffirming their commitment to expanding collaboration in semiconductor education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and talent development. Representatives from PSEB and IIUI emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in supporting Pakistan’s long term vision of establishing a globally competitive semiconductor ecosystem through investment in human capital, research excellence, and technology development. The engagement also reflects the broader objectives of Ministry of IT and Telecommunication and Tech Destination Pakistan in strengthening the country’s advanced technology capabilities through strategic partnerships between government institutions and academia. By promoting knowledge sharing, technical collaboration, and workforce development, both organizations aim to contribute to the growth of Pakistan’s semiconductor sector while supporting future innovation, research, and industry development initiatives across the country.
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