The HEC Task Force on ORICs and BICs and Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) have agreed to promote value-added agriculture, agro-industry, exports and student-led startups through stronger public-private partnerships. Former HEC Chairman Prof. Dr. Javaid Laghari met Vice Chancellor Engr. Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal to discuss research commercialization, innovation and entrepreneurship. Dr Siyal stressed stronger university-industry linkages and plans to establish an Industry Advisory Board to align research with market needs. Prof. Laghari emphasized incubation, mentoring and financial support to help promising student ideas develop into sustainable startups.
The HEC Task Force on ORICs and BICs and Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) have agreed to promote value-added agriculture, agro-industry, exports and student-led startups through stronger public-private partnerships. Former HEC Chairman Prof. Dr. Javaid Laghari met Vice Chancellor Engr. Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal to discuss research commercialization, innovation and entrepreneurship. Dr Siyal stressed stronger university-industry linkages and plans to establish an Industry Advisory Board to align research with market needs. Prof. Laghari emphasized incubation, mentoring and financial support to help promising student ideas develop into sustainable startups.
Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) and the Food Security and Agriculture Centre of Excellence (FACE) have agreed to collaborate on student-led commercial projects, women’s vermicomposting training and the Agriculture and Food Security Innovation Challenge (AFSIC-2026). FACE representative Muhammad Ahmed met Vice Chancellor Engr. Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal to discuss joint research, innovation and financial support for selected student projects. The collaboration will focus on climate-smart agriculture, food security, water management, mechanization and sustainable farming. Dr. Aasia Akber Panhwar said ORIC would coordinate future activities, while Dr Siyal emphasized university partnerships to turn research into practical and commercially viable solutions for agriculture.
Engr. Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal, Vice Chancellor, Sindh Agriculture University, said during the GET Phase-II Skill Development Program at IQRA University, Hyderabad, on 11 September 2026, that such initiatives play a vital role in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical engineering experience. He appreciated the enthusiasm and commitment of the young engineers and emphasized the importance of five months of field training and interaction with senior professionals and industry experts in developing skilled and industry-ready engineers.
Engr. Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal, Vice Chancellor, Sindh Agriculture University, said during the GET Phase-II Skill Development Program at IQRA University, Hyderabad, on 11 September 2026, that such initiatives play a vital role in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical engineering experience. He appreciated the enthusiasm and commitment of the young engineers and emphasized the importance of five months of field training and interaction with senior professionals and industry experts in developing skilled and industry-ready engineers.
Vice Chancellor Engr. Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal congratulated three SAU women researchers for successfully completing the prestigious Meryl Williams Fellowship, describing it as an important achievement for research and international collaboration. The researchers Prof. Dr. Jameela Soomro, Dr. Mahmooda Buriro and Dr. Saima Kalsoom Babar received fellowship certificates from Australian High Commissioner Timothy Kane in Islamabad. Dr Siyal said the fellowship would enhance their research, leadership and professional skills while creating opportunities for international collaboration. He reaffirmed SAU’s commitment to supporting women researchers through professional development and international engagement.
Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) and Worldwide Manpower Resources (WMR) explored collaboration in banana fiber technology to convert agricultural waste into value-added products and create employment opportunities. WMR CEO Ehtasham Shahid visited SAU’s Banana Fiber Extraction Unit and reviewed the university’s research and product development work. Discussions with Dr. Inayatullah Rajper, Dr. Shokat Ali Abro and Dr. Aasia Panhwar focused on pilot projects, foreign investment and commercialization of banana fiber technology. The initiative aims to benefit farmers and industry while promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing agricultural waste
Vice Chancellor Engr. Prof. Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal has called for stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions, sugarcane growers and the sugar industry to improve productivity, resource efficiency and sustainability. Chairing the second-day session of the 58th Annual Convention of the Pakistan Society of Sugar Technologists (PSST), he highlighted challenges including water availability, rising costs, climate change, pests and diseases, and stressed practical research, precision agriculture and climate-smart technologies. Shiffat Zaidi, Hyder Bux Rustamani and Dr. Muhammad Chohan (PARC) also emphasized technological innovation and closer cooperation between researchers and the sugar industry. A commemorative shield was presented to Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal in recognition of his participation.
