Research Labs & Centers

Research Labs & Centers

Learn more about our mission and values.

Research

Research

Explore our cutting-edge research.

Research Commercialization

Research Commercialization

See how we bring research to market.

Governance

Governance

Understand our governance framework.

Team

Team

Meet the people behind our success.

Downloads

Downloads

Access key documents and resources.

About


The Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) is the primary office of ITU that supports faculty members, students, and researchers in their efforts to secure external funding, by providing high quality administrative and monitoring support. ORIC aims to be comprehensive in its scope and mission, handling both pre- and post-award services. This support starts from a project proposal’s conception to the completion and audit of a finished project.

ORIC is responsible for ensuring ITU’s compliance with rules and regulations of multiple funding bodies, as well as following its internal procedures and protocols. Moreover, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant research culture and supporting the translation of university research into real-world applications. We serve as a central hub for faculty, researchers, students, and industry partners, connecting them with the resources and expertise needed to bring their innovative ideas to fruition.

Message from Director


Welcome to the Office of Research Innovation & Commercialization at ITU. Our overarching objective is to position ourselves as a preeminent entity in the knowledge economy, making substantial contributions to the intellectual and economic development of our country. In pursuit of this objective, our mission remains unambiguous: to cultivate a supportive atmosphere that encourages entrepreneurship and research autonomy while nurturing strong partnerships between academia and industry. Our objective with these undertakings is to make a contribution towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2030), to which Pakistan is fully committed.

The Office provides unwavering support to cutting-edge research and innovation, acknowledging its potential to bring about significant societal changes. Recognizing that collaboration is fundamental to advancement, we establish robust connections with academia, industry, and the community. We foster an entrepreneurial mindset by motivating members of our community to engage in innovative thinking and undertake audacious endeavours. We extend an invitation to all ITU community members to collaborate with ORIC in this momentous endeavour, that will determine the future of the knowledge economy and propel Pakistan to unprecedented levels of achievement.

TEAM

Dr. Rehan Hafiz

Director ORIC

Aimen Shah

Program Manager – Research Support

Muhammad Kashif Ali

Program Officer – Innovation & Commercialization

RESEARCH

Mission


Providing a conducive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship by promoting research independence and fostering industry-academia collaboration aimed at achieving sustainable goal development for Pakistan.

Vision


To establish ITU as a key player in the knowledge economy.

Values


  • Research Independence & Innovation
  • Collaborative Partnerships
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit
  • Research & Professional Ethics
  • Streamlined Project Management

Our Services


  • Pre-award support: We assist researchers in identifying funding opportunities, developing competitive proposals, and navigating the grant application process.
  • Post-award support: We provide guidance on managing awarded grants, monitor progress, and intellectual property (IP) protection.
  • Technology commercialization: We offer guidance on protecting, licensing, and commercializing intellectual property developed at the University.
  • Industry collaboration: We facilitate connections between researchers and industry partners, fostering collaborative research projects, and technology transfer opportunities.
  • Entrepreneurship support: We provide resources and support to faculty, students, and researchers interested in launching their own businesses.

RESEARCH COMMERCIALIZATION

At ITU, all of us believe that your groundbreaking research has the potential to transform the world. We envision ITU as a key player in the knowledge economy, driven by a mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. This commitment translates into supporting your research independence and building bridges between academia and industry. You will be able to:

  • Own your intellectual property (IP): Learn how to protect and benefit from your research breakthroughs.
  • Explore commercialization streams: Discover various pathways to bring your innovations to market.
  • Get in touch with us: Connect with our dedicated ORIC team for personalized support.

Own Your Breakthroughs: Unleash Innovation at ITU


At ITU, your research isn’t just groundbreaking – it’s a springboard for success! We champion your intellectual property (IP) ownership, empowering you to benefit from the inventions and creative works you develop.

  • ITU recognizes your ownership of IP created during research and teaching (except for assigned university tasks).
  • Commercialize your invention and share potential profits with co-creators, as per your contributions.

Protect Your Innovations


  • Our dedicated Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) is your resource for IP guidance and navigating the process.
  • File disclosure forms with ORIC if you plan to patent or copyright your work, solidifying your ownership. The disclosure forms can be viewed here (link to IP disclosure forms).

From Research to Market: Ignite Your Innovation’s Potential


ITU offers a dynamic suite of options to help you bring your ideas to market and make a real difference.

  1. Be Your Own Innovation Champion (Independent Licensing & Distribution)
  • Take complete control. License and distribute your IP independently. ORIC remains a valuable resource, ensuring compliance with university policies.
  1. Partner for Peak Performance (External Agency Collaboration)
  • Leverage the expertise of an external agency for a streamlined commercialization experience. Maximize your invention’s impact by teaming up with market navigation experts.
  1. Leverage ORIC’s Expertise (ORIC-Assisted Licensing & Distribution)
  • ORIC offers invaluable support in:
    • Identifying ideal customers and licensees.
    • Marketing your technology to the perfect partners.
    • Devising comprehensive licensing agreements.
    • Accessing the University’s legal services when needed.

No matter which path you choose, ITU is your innovation partner. Before commercializing, ensure you have the right to do so and there are no conflicting ownership claims.

Connect with us


Please send us an email at oric@itu.edu.pk along with your questions, or visit our office in IPAL, 6th Floor, Arfa Software Technology Park, Lahore. Our team will be more than happy to assist you and guide you about next steps.

GOVERNANCE

Committees

  • Terms of Reference (TORs) and notifications for various committees that pertain to research at ITU.

Forms

  • Downloadable versions of essential forms needed for research endeavors.

DOWNLOADS

Project Progress Report Template

  • Utilize this standardized template to effectively communicate to ORIC the progress and achievements of your research projects.

Click here to Download

Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) Template

  • Ensure confidentiality of sensitive information during research collaborations with external partners by downloading our standard NDA agreement.

Click here to Download

Miscellaneous Documents

  • We may include other relevant documents here, such as biosafety protocols or specific guidelines for research funding applications.

IP Waiver Form in Favor of University
IP Waiver Form in Favor of Supervisor
IP Disclosure Form I
IP Disclosure Form II
EIRB Form