ORIC GIKI

Assalam-o-Alaikum, aspiring researchers, innovators, and industry leaders of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa! In today's dynamic world, the strength of a university lies not just in its teaching, but also in its ability to drive research, foster innovation, and effectively connect with industry to create real-world impact. We are here to introduce you to a pivotal entity within one of Pakistan's most prestigious engineering universities, the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI): the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization, widely known as ORIC GIKI. Located right here in Topi, ORIC GIKI is the engine driving the institute's commitment to cutting-edge research and its translation into tangible benefits for our society and economy. This article will provide you with a comprehensive and engaging insight into the vital role ORIC GIKI plays in shaping the future of innovation in our beloved province.

ORIC GIKI is far more than just an administrative department; it is a strategic hub mandated by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan to serve as a one-stop shop for all research, innovation, and commercialization activities within the university. Originally established as the Office of Outreach and Enterprise (OOE) in July 2010 to enhance services to students, alumni, and industry, it evolved into ORIC to sharpen its focus on bridging the gap between academia and industry. Its core mission is to facilitate and support faculty and students in their research endeavors, encourage innovative thinking, and most importantly, assist in commercializing research findings into viable products and services. This dedication ensures that GIKI's intellectual capital translates into practical solutions and economic growth for our region.

Understanding the profound significance of research and innovation in national development, ORIC GIKI strives to create an ecosystem where groundbreaking ideas can flourish and make a tangible difference. From securing research grants and fostering strategic partnerships to supporting budding entrepreneurs, ORIC GIKI is at the forefront of transforming academic insights into societal impact. This detailed overview will help you understand the comprehensive services and features that ORIC GIKI offers, demonstrating why it is an indispensable component of GIKI's overall excellence and a crucial resource for anyone interested in the nexus of research, innovation, and industry in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) at GIKI is situated within the esteemed Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology campus. Its precise location is at 3JCW+M7G, Topi, Pakistan. This address places ORIC at the heart of GIKI's vibrant academic and research environment, allowing it to closely integrate with the various faculties, laboratories, and student bodies. Being centrally located within the GIKI campus in Topi provides immense convenience for faculty members, researchers, and students who frequently interact with ORIC for various services.

The accessibility of ORIC GIKI benefits from the overall excellent connectivity of the GIKI campus itself. While situated in a serene and conducive environment for focused research, Topi is well-connected to major urban centers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. It is less than a two-hour drive from Islamabad and Peshawar, both significant cities with extensive transport networks including airports, train stations, and bus terminals. This strategic positioning facilitates collaborations with external partners, industries, and funding agencies who might need to visit ORIC for discussions, workshops, or project initiations. Furthermore, GIKI’s own internal shuttle services to and from these major cities on weekends enhance accessibility for its community, including those who wish to connect with ORIC. The location fosters a balance between a peaceful research environment and practical access to external stakeholders, making ORIC GIKI a highly functional and accessible hub for innovation and commercialization in the region.

• Research Facilitation: Provides administrative support, resources, and guidance to faculty and students for developing and executing research projects.
• Grant and Funding Assistance: Assists researchers in identifying and applying for national and international research grants and funding opportunities.
• Innovation Support: Encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving, fostering an environment where new ideas can thrive among researchers.
• Intellectual Property (IP) Management: Guides researchers through the processes of patenting, licensing, and protecting their intellectual property.
• Commercialization Support: Assists in translating research findings into viable products, services, and technologies, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
• Industry-Academia Linkages: Actively engages with businesses, governmental bodies, and community organizations to ensure research relevance and facilitate collaborative projects.
• Entrepreneurship Support: Provides guidance and support for startups and spin-offs emerging from university research, often through incubation programs like The Catalyst GIK Incubator.
• Career Services: Connects students, graduates, and alumni with leading employers for internships, job placements, and career development opportunities.
• Alumni Relations: Works closely with the GIK Institute Alumni Association (GIKAA) to build and nurture lifelong relationships with alumni, providing them with opportunities to stay connected and contribute to the institute.
• Workshops and Trainings: Organizes workshops, seminars, and training sessions on research methodologies, intellectual property rights, commercialization strategies, and professional development.
• Community Engagement: Ensures that research findings benefit society at large by addressing community needs and promoting social responsibility.
• Partnership Development: Facilitates the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and other collaborative agreements with industry partners, academic institutions, and community organizations.

• HEC Recognized Office: ORIC GIKI is officially recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan as a vital unit for promoting research, innovation, and commercialization.
• Bridge between Academia and Industry: It serves as a crucial link, translating academic research into practical solutions and fostering a symbiotic relationship between the university and various industries.
• Dedicated Team: Comprises a team of experienced professionals, including a Director, Assistant Director, and other staff, focused solely on research, innovation, and commercialization activities.
• Fosters Research Culture: Plays a pivotal role in promoting and enhancing a robust research culture within GIKI, encouraging both faculty and students to engage in impactful research.
• Support for Startups: Works closely with The Catalyst GIK Incubator, providing incubation support and guidance for entrepreneurial ventures originating from GIKI's research.
• Strategic Partnerships: Actively seeks and establishes strategic partnerships and collaborations with national and international organizations to expand research horizons and commercialization opportunities.
• Focus on Societal Impact: Emphasizes research that addresses real-world challenges and contributes to the economic and social development of Pakistan.
• Intellectual Property Development: Committed to protecting and leveraging the intellectual assets generated by the institute's researchers.
• Continuous Professional Development: Organizes regular workshops and training sessions to enhance the research capabilities and commercialization acumen of the GIKI community.
• Comprehensive Support System: Offers a holistic support system covering various stages of the research and innovation lifecycle, from idea generation to commercialization.
• Promotes Interdisciplinary Research: Encourages and facilitates interdisciplinary research projects that combine expertise from different engineering and science fields.

As a dedicated office within a non-profit educational institution like GIKI, ORIC GIKI does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense. Its core function is to facilitate and support research, innovation, and commercialization rather than to market services for profit. However, the "offers" it provides are invaluable opportunities for researchers, students, and external partners.

For researchers and students, ORIC GIKI's "offers" include comprehensive support in securing competitive research grants and funding from national and international agencies. This direct financial and administrative assistance for research projects is a significant "special offer" for faculty and graduate students. Additionally, ORIC provides access to expert guidance on intellectual property rights, patent filing, and licensing, which are crucial services for innovators. The incubation support offered through The Catalyst GIK Incubator is another major "promotion" for aspiring entrepreneurs from within the GIKI community, providing them with resources, mentorship, and a platform to transform their innovative ideas into successful ventures.

For industry and external organizations, ORIC GIKI offers the "promotion" of collaboration. This includes opportunities for joint research projects, access to GIKI's cutting-edge research facilities and highly skilled human resources, and the chance to tap into the institute's expertise to solve real-world industrial challenges. By fostering Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and collaborative agreements, ORIC effectively "promotes" the sharing of knowledge, resources, and innovation between academia and industry. Interested parties, whether they are researchers, students, or industry representatives, are encouraged to contact ORIC GIKI directly to explore these unique and mutually beneficial opportunities. The contact details are provided in the section below for those eager to engage with GIKI's innovation ecosystem.

For direct inquiries regarding research collaborations, innovation support, commercialization opportunities, or any other aspect of ORIC GIKI's services, please use the following contact details:

Address: 3JCW+M7G, Topi, Pakistan (Located within the GIKI Campus)

Phone: +92-938-271858 (General GIKI number, ask for ORIC extension 2289 or 2705)

Email: oric@giki.edu.pk, careers@giki.edu.pk, alumni.relations@giki.edu.pk, supportgik@giki.edu.pk

Manager University Industrial Linkage (ORIC) Email: amin.qureshi@giki.edu.pk, Office: 0938 281026, Ext: 2289, 2530

We encourage prospective researchers, industry partners, and GIKI alumni to reach out to the ORIC team. They are dedicated to assisting you and fostering productive collaborations that contribute to the advancement of science, technology, and economic development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and beyond.

For the forward-thinking individuals, research enthusiasts, and ambitious enterprises of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ORIC GIKI (Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization at Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute) stands as an exceptionally suitable and vital resource. Its strategic presence within the prestigious GIKI campus in Topi makes it an accessible and central hub for fostering intellectual growth and economic development right here in our province. The suitability of ORIC for locals stems from its dedicated mission to transform academic excellence into practical, impactful solutions that directly benefit our community and nation.

ORIC GIKI plays an indispensable role in empowering local talent. For students and faculty, it provides crucial support in securing funding for research projects, guiding them through the complexities of intellectual property, and offering avenues for their innovative ideas to be commercialized. This means that local brilliant minds have the necessary infrastructure and expertise to bring their inventions and discoveries to fruition, addressing challenges pertinent to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and contributing to its progress. The workshops and training sessions organized by ORIC further equip our local researchers with the skills needed to compete on a global scale.

For local industries and businesses, ORIC GIKI serves as a critical bridge. It facilitates collaborations, allowing companies to leverage GIKI's cutting-edge research facilities, highly qualified faculty, and talented student pool to solve their technical challenges, develop new products, and enhance their competitiveness. This direct linkage fosters a culture of innovation within local industries, leading to economic growth and job creation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Moreover, ORIC's support for startups and entrepreneurial ventures from within the GIKI community nurtures a new generation of job creators and wealth generators, directly benefiting the local economy. In essence, ORIC GIKI is not just an office; it is a catalyst for progress, ensuring that the intellectual prowess of GIKI translates into tangible benefits and a brighter future for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

ORIC GIKI

3JCW+M7G, Topi, Pakistan