In a major step toward boosting the Uraan Pakistan implementation, two landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed in London between Quaid e Azam University and PIDE and the University of Cambridge and its affiliate, Cambridge Enterprise Ltd, respectively. The events were witnessed by Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, who termed the partnerships “a historic step toward building Pakistan’s knowledge economy.”
The first MoU was signed between the University of Cambridge and Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, to promote collaboration in Materials Science and Emerging Technologies. The partnership aims to strengthen Pakistan’s research capacity, promote academic excellence, and enhance international collaboration in frontier scientific disciplines.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal said that the government has approved PKR 3.5 billion for establishing the Institute of Materials and Emerging Sciences in collaboration with Cambridge and earmarked US $0.7 million for faculty and student exchanges, joint research projects, and technology transfer. “Materials science is the quiet engine of the new economy—it powers aerospace, clean energy, healthcare, and digital manufacturing. This partnership will convert lab innovations into real products and industrial applications,” he stated.
He added that the initiative aligns with the URAAN Pakistan and 5Es Framework—Exports, E-Pakistan (Digital), Energy & Infrastructure, Environment & Climate, and Equity & Empowerment—focused on transforming research into tangible economic outcomes. “Our success will be measured not by MoUs but by measurable results—from promise to prototypes, from prototypes to products,” he said.
The second MoU was signed between Cambridge Enterprise Ltd., United Kingdom, and the Pakistan Institute for Development Economics (PIDE), Islamabad, to strengthen Pakistan’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. The agreement was signed by Ms. Caroline Hyde, Head of Ecosystem Initiatives and Partnerships at Cambridge Enterprise, and Dr. Nadeem Javaid, Vice Chancellor, PIDE.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the collaboration marks a new era of innovation-led growth, linking Pakistan’s universities with international accelerators, venture funds, and technology partners. “Entrepreneurship in developing countries is a nation-building engine—it turns research into products, raises productivity, and connects our youth to global markets. With Cambridge Enterprise’s global expertise and PIDE’s policy leadership, Pakistan is creating an ecosystem that turns ideas into enterprises and knowledge into competitiveness,” he remarked.
He highlighted that the government has already launched the Innovation Fund and Bridge-Start programs to support young founders, and the Cambridge collaboration adds international mentorship and co-investment opportunities.
The Minister emphasized that sustained collaboration between Pakistani and Cambridge institutions will ensure the institute evolves into a world-class center of excellence driving innovation and technological progress in Pakistan.
