PU Hosts Capacity Building Session for BICs

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In a collaborative effort to bolster the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Punjab, the Punjab University (PU) hosted an on-site training session for the capacity building of Business Incubation Centers (BICs) across the province. This initiative, held under the Tabeer Project, brought together a distinguished panel of experts, including representatives from LUMS x Tabeer, the U.S. Department of State, and key members of the Punjab University faculty.

The session was headlined by Prof Nauman Zaffar from LUMS and Ms Minahil Zia, Lead Community Engagement and Outreach at LUMS Centre for Entrepreneurship (LCE), who shared valuable insights on improving the functionality of the Punjab University Business Incubation Center (BIC) and uplifting the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Representing the U.S. Department of State, Ms Monica Brinn and Mr Tanveer Hassan offered strategic advice and feedback, further strengthening the collaboration between the institutions involved in the Tabeer Project.

The event was chaired by the Vice Chancellor of Punjab University, Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, along with the Dean of FBEAS, Prof Dr Mumtaz Anwar Chaudhry. Prof Dr Sania Zahra Malik, Director of BIC-PU, presented a comprehensive plan outlining the future strategy of the Business Incubation Center, prepared in collaboration with Dr Zeshan Ahmer, a nominee of the Tabeer Project.

The session also included participation from the BIC Supervisory Board, featuring prominent figures such as Prof Dr Shahzad Sarwar, Mr Umair Ahmad (CEO, Vital Agri Nutrients), and Mr Sheikh Muhammad Omer (Director, Ravi Exchange Company), alongside university officials like Prof Dr Muhammad Shafiq (Director QEC), Prof Dr Shakeel Ahmed (Director ORIC), Dr Ahmad Islam (Registrar), and Mr Tasneem Kamran (Treasurer).

Following the formal presentations and discussions, an informal networking session was held at the Punjab University Executive Club. This gathering brought together university faculty members, BIC mentors and trainers, incubates, and other stakeholders, fostering valuable connections and dialogue to further the BIC’s mission.

Prof Nauman Zaffar and Ms Minahil Zia’s participation as part of the Tabeer team was a highlight of the event, with their feedback hailed as pivotal for shaping the future of the BIC at Punjab University. The contributions of Dr Zeshan Ahmer and other faculty members, including Dr Labiba Sheikh and Prof Dr Shahzad Sarwar, were also acknowledged for their dedication to the success of the center.

The session concluded on a high note, with the Vice Chancellor and Dean FBEAS expressing their commitment to supporting the continued growth and development of the Business Incubation Center at Punjab University. The Tabeer Project’s focus on capacity building is set to play a vital role in enhancing the entrepreneurial landscape across Punjab, empowering future generations of innovators and business leaders.