OfficeofResearch,Innovation&Commercialization
Establishing UET Mardan as a leading hub that translates academic excellence into practical solutions, advancing regional development and economic transformation.
Introduction
The Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) at UET Mardan coordinates research-to-impact activities, fosters industry collaboration, facilitates intellectual property protection, and supports entrepreneurship and commercialization in alignment with university objectives.
As technological advancement accelerates and industries increasingly adopt high-tech and knowledge-driven models, universities are emerging as critical engines of innovation, research, and commercialization . The University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Mardan, being a relatively young but dynamic institution, is strategically positioned to play a central role in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry-driven research in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region and beyond .
Historically, university-based research has focused primarily on basic science and knowledge creation . While this remains a core mission, the ultimate aim of scientific research is to improve the human condition . In this context, the transfer and commercialization of knowledge and discoveries becomes a vital function, benefiting not only the inventors but also society at large . As highlighted in global studies, since the Industrial Revolution, the world's economic growth has largely been driven by scientific understanding, engineering applications, and continuous technological innovation . Therefore, university structures evolve to support all stages of this process from discovery to innovation, and from innovation to commercialization .
For Pakistan, achieving the medium and long-term goals of its national economic and industrial policies requires a transformation in higher education. While Pakistan has successfully established strong traditions in medicine, engineering, defense, and technical education, there remains a gap in cultivating entrepreneurial ecosystems that can drive industrialization, SME development, and service-sector innovation . It is imperative that institutions like UET Mardan contribute to nurturing a new class of educated entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders, rather than merely producing job seekers .
In this regard, Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) UET Mardan is envisioned as a strategic hub to align research with societal and industrial needs and focus on:
- Solving local problems specific to the Mardan region and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (e.g., energy shortages, agriculture, water management, and industrial processes etc.).
- Identifying and seizing global opportunities in fields like renewable energy, artificial intelligence, data science, and smart infrastructure
- Promoting reverse engineering and indigenous solutions for wealth creation and technological independence.
ORIC at UET Mardan will act as the catalyst for research excellence, industry partnerships, and entrepreneurial culture, equipping graduates not only to enter the job market but also to create jobs and industries of the future . Furthermore, UET Mardan acknowledges that its research and innovation strategy must be rooted in the strengths and opportunities of its surrounding environment . The university will therefore emphasize :
- Building skills and capacity of the local workforce .
- Innovating processes for better utilization of indigenous resources .
- Harnessing regional expertise in construction, engineering, and industry .
- Supporting existing industrial and SME clusters in Mardan and adjoining areas .
- Translating regional challenges into research and innovation-driven enterprises .
Mission
To empower UET Mardan to become a catalyst for high impact applied research, innovation, and commercialization, by nurturing disruptive technologies and entrepreneurial talents that drive socioeconomic growth in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and beyond.
Vision
To establish ORIC at UET Mardan as a leading research, and innovation hub that translates academic excellence into practical solutions advancing regional development, industrial competitiveness, and knowledge-based economic transformation.
Our Competitive Advantage
Emerging specialization in AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Renewable Energy
Industry-driven programs aligned with current market and technological needs
Growing pipeline of postgraduate research capabilities (MS & PhD)
Strategic geographic advantage for regional industrial collaboration in KP
Role of ORIC, UET Mardan
ORIC serves as the central unit to enable research commercialization, industry partnerships, and creation of opportunities for students and graduates. Key activities include facilitation of seed funding and venture capital access for startups, support for scale-up, and collaboration with industry to create internships and employment opportunities.
Governance & Representation
To ensure alignment with University mission, the Director ORIC may be included in key academic and administrative boards (ASARB, Academic Council, Finance & Planning Committee) and other committees to guarantee effective coordination of research and innovation activities.
Visibility & Outreach
- Introductory seminars, noticeboard posters, and regular newsletters to share funding calls, workshops, competitions and achievements.
- Wall of Fame for Startups to recognize successful ventures and projects.
- Industrial visits for faculty to strengthen academia–industry collaboration.
- ORIC liaison members: one faculty member per department to ensure smooth communication.
- Engagement with student clubs and an Annual Research & Innovation Exhibition showcasing outcomes and prototypes.
Research-to-Impact Cycle
How ORIC actively drives local economic growth and community advancement.
Research Development
Develop strong proposals, secure funding, and transform research maintaining strict ethical and academic standards.
Innovation
Create solutions for real-world problems through prototypes, digital twins, and pilot projects.
Commercialization
Advance innovations toward market readiness through licensing, startup incubation, and partnerships.
Stakeholder Linkages, Industry Collaboration & Funding Support
ORIC acts as the central hub for establishing and managing linkages with donors, funding agencies, industry partners, universities, research institutions, and mentors. ORIC maintains updated databases of funding opportunities, faculty expertise, and industry needs to support engagement and commercialization pathways.
Central Coordination & Networking
ORIC maintains databases of funding opportunities and donor priorities, faculty expertise and research capabilities, and industry collaboration prospects. It aligns with on-campus incubators and external research parks to enable commercialization paths.
Research Matching & Capability Mapping
ORIC documents national challenges, industrial requirements, and university infrastructure and conducts automated matching of faculty profiles, industrial problems, and funding opportunities. Workshops, seminars and conferences expand networks and sectoral insights.
MoUs, Partnerships & Funding Facilitation
ORIC oversees institutional MoUs. MoUs initiated by ORIC shall be signed by the Director ORIC; department-level MoUs may be signed by the Chairperson with mandatory intimation to ORIC. ORIC proactively disseminates funding program information and models to reduce the burden on faculty.
Industry Collaboration, Research Parks & Incubation
ORIC facilitates joint pilot projects, academia–industry partnerships, and risk-sharing mechanisms to promote technology adoption. UET Mardan's Research Park concept focuses on alliances with KPITB, SMEDA, Chambers of Commerce, and supports commercialization and job creation. Business/Technology Incubators provide workspace, mentorship, investor access, IP management and act as pipelines to the Research Park.
Intellectual Property (IP) Administration at UET Mardan
ORIC will manage IP per the University IP Policy to protect and commercialize research outputs. Services include patent filing support, commercialization and market analysis, records and compliance, capacity building, publishing IPR guidelines, and recognition of inventors.
IP Services
- Patent and IP filing support, including provisional applications and access to patent counsel.
- Commercialization and market potential analysis to guide licensing and transfer.
- Maintenance of comprehensive IP records and licensing agreements.
- Training and awareness programs on IP for faculty and students.
Revenue Sharing
Following HEC policy, revenues from commercialization are received by the University, direct costs recovered, and net revenue shared: 60% to inventor(s), 40% retained by the University (10% of which goes to the concerned department/research center). Multiple inventors share the inventor portion per a written arrangement approved by the Vice Chancellor.
Procedure for Establishment of Spin-off Companies
Steps
- 1Submit application with business plan/concept note to the Vice Chancellor through ORIC; ORIC may assist in preparing the plan.
- 2Submit an affidavit confirming compliance with University policies and that teaching responsibilities will not be affected.
- 3ORIC reviews and recommends to the Vice Chancellor; non-recommendation will include explicit reasons.
- 4Upon approval, Registrar issues a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for company registration.
Use of University Premises & Support
Approved spin-offs operating on campus will cover rent/utilities either via 5% per project or fixed charges (Rs. 20,000/month). Early-stage startups in incubation may get full/partial waivers for up to 6 months. Spin-offs on campus must engage at least two student internees from relevant departments.
Research & Development Projects
R&D projects may be initiated by any faculty member, employee, or ORIC. The lead faculty serves as Principal Investigator (PI). Multidisciplinary and industry-collaborative projects are encouraged.
External Agency Funded Projects
Faculty may submit proposals to national and international programs. A portion (e.g., 10%) should be allocated as ORIC/University overhead. Proposals requiring Vice Chancellor signature must be routed through ORIC; a hard copy is kept by ORIC for records.
University Funded Projects
Internal proposals use the University Project Proposal Form and are appraised by a Project Technical Committee (including Director ORIC, industry experts, external academic expert, and department expert). Committee recommendations are sent to the Vice Chancellor for approval.
Monitoring, Completion and Commercialization of R&D Projects
All R&D projects are monitored for implementation per approved proposals. Six-monthly progress and audited expenditure reports are submitted to ORIC. On completion PIs submit Project Completion Reports including audited financial statements. ORIC facilitates commercialization and patenting where applicable.
ORIC Funding
ORIC will manage a dedicated research fund sourced from the University's share of commercialization revenues, ORIC's portion (10%) from externally funded research, pooling a portion of tuition fee income, HEC recurring funds, and donor funds. A joint bank account operated by the Vice Chancellor and Director ORIC will ensure accountability.
Utilization of Research Fund
- Support R&D activities and small grants for innovative ideas.
- Provide bridge financing for projects awaiting disbursement or requiring additional support.
- Enhance ORIC operations and support commercialization activities.
- Provide remuneration or honoraria for notable achievements.
Management of Project Funds
All sponsored projects will have dedicated accounts jointly operated by the PI and Treasurer to ensure transparency and proper utilization.
Our Services
Comprehensive support services to facilitate research excellence and innovation.
Research Support
Proposal development, peer review, and facilitation of funded research projects.
Grant Facilitation
Connecting researchers with national and international funding opportunities.
Intellectual Property
Patent filing support, licensing, technology evaluation, and 60% revenue sharing for inventors.
Industry Linkages
MoUs, collaborative R&D, industrial internships, and co-supervision.
Incubation & Startups
Pre-incubation, mentoring, rent waivers for spin-offs, and investor linkages via our BIC.
Capacity Building
Workshops, conferences, training programs, and international collaborations.
Incentives & Ecosystem
We reward innovation. UET Mardan offers industry-leading support structures for commercialization.
For Faculty & Researchers
- 60% Revenue Share for inventors from IP commercialization.
- Bonus Salaries: Two basic salaries for winning and completing external projects over 10 Million.
- Promotion Credits: Successful startups and product commercialization equal multiple high-category journal papers.
For Students & Innovators
- Funding: Business idea competitions with top ideas awarded up to PKR 100,000.
- Incubation Space: Access to the Business Incubation Center (BIC) with partial or full rent waivers for early startups.
- Academic Flexibility: Ability to temporarily pause studies to pursue start-up development.
Strategic Roadmap (2026–2030)
A phased development plan to transform UET Mardan into a research-driven institution.
Year 1
Foundation & Capacity Building
Establish IP/Ethical committees, 5–8 funded projects, 3–5 industry partnerships, 10–15% publication increase.
Year 2
Specialized Research & International Outreach
Develop thematic clusters, 8–10 funded projects, 30% MoUs into active collaborations, 15–20% publication growth.
Year 3
National Leadership & Innovation
Launch Business Incubator (BI), 2 industry-funded pilot deployments, 30% publications in Q1/Q2 journals.
Year 4
Global Recognition & Commercialization
25% annual growth rate in publications, secure 13-14 new projects, finalize at least 3 commercialization agreements.
Year 5
Sustainability & Regional Impact
Lead regional consortium, 20 funded projects, 10 long-term innovation partnerships with companies.
Get Involved with ORIC
Join us in our mission to advance research and innovation. Whether you're a faculty member seeking a grant, a student with a startup idea, or an industry partner, we welcome collaboration.
Submit a Proposal
Turn your research into reality with funding support.
Partner With Us
Access cutting-edge research and university talent.
Incubate Your Startup
Get mentorship, space, and investor connections.
Email: oric@uetmardan.edu.pk
Phone: +92-937-9230295
Learn more about UET Mardan
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