Islamabad: A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed to establish Pakistan's first-ever Center for Industrial Innovation and AI (CIINAI) at the National University of Technology (NUTECH), Islamabad, officials announced Thursday. The agreement aims to integrate manufacturing technology and applied research to improve product quality, marking a significant step in the nation’s industrial development.

According to Union of Small and Medium Enterprises, the MoU was signed between the Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC), NUTECH, and NED University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasized the center as a milestone in industrial growth, highlighting the government's focus on enhancing collaboration between industry, academia, and research entities.

The center will bring together advanced manufacturing technologies, artificial intelligence, and applied research to boost industrial productivity and competitiveness in international markets. Located at PIDC’s Korangi Creek Industrial Park in Karachi, the facility will serve as a hub for providing industrial AI solutions, advanced manufacturing support, research and development, and technical training programs.

The MoU was signed by PIDC CEO Rizwan Ahmed Bhatti, NUTECH Registrar Brig Salman Zafar (retd), and NED UET Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Tufail.