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Mirpur University of Science & Technology (MUST) is delighted to announce that Engr. Dr. Sohaib Manzoor, Director of MUST Business Incubation Center (BIC) and CEO of RapidNet Connect, has been awarded the HBL P@SHA ICT Award 2025 in the Technology Category – IoT Sub-Category.

The P@SHA ICT Awards, organized by the Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT & ITeS (P@SHA), are among the most prestigious awards in Pakistan’s technology sector. They recognize and honor the most innovative and impactful ICT products and solutions. Winning this award is extremely competitive, as companies from across Pakistan present cutting-edge technologies to a jury of leading experts and industry leaders.

This achievement holds special significance for Azad Jammu & Kashmir and MUST, as it highlights the growing potential of our region in the national and international ICT landscape. It demonstrates that with innovation, dedication, and vision, AJK-based startups and enterprises can compete at the highest level in Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.

Under the leadership of Engr. Dr. Sohaib Manzoor, RapidNet Connect has grown remarkably by delivering innovative IoT-based technology solutions. Competing against leading technology companies, RapidNet Connect has now earned one of the highest honors in Pakistan’s ICT industry, bringing pride not only to the company but also to MUST and the entire AJK region.

In the picture: Dr. Sohaib Manzoor proudly holding the P@SHA ICT Award 2025 trophy and certificate.

We congratulate Dr. Sohaib Manzoor and the RapidNet Connect team for this outstanding accomplishment and wish them continued success as they represent Pakistan internationally at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards.

The Business Incubation Centre (BIC), Mirpur University of Science & Technology (MUST) proudly hosted the InnVista Startup League (On-Campus) — a vibrant platform where visionary startups and young entrepreneurs pitched groundbreaking ideas, showcased innovation, and demonstrated their entrepreneurial spirit.

This exciting event brought together creative thinkers, problem solvers, and future leaders, transforming bold ideas into impactful solutions.

Winner Announcement:
Congratulations to CDOT – Driving Change in E-Waste Management for emerging as the champion startup of the InnVista Startup League! Their inspiring initiative is paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.

Esteemed Judging Panel:
• Prof. Dr. Faisal Riaz – Director, ORIC
• Engr. Irfan Jamshed – Manager, Research Management
• Madam Samina – Manager, Innovation & Commercialization
• Mr. Nasir Mehmood – Business Development Officer, BIC MUST
• Mr. Zahid Mehmood – HR Officer, BIC MUST
• Mr. Ahmed Mujtaba – InnVista Team

A heartfelt thank you to our judges, organizers, and all participating startups for their invaluable contributions in making this event a remarkable success. Together, we are nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem at MUST and inspiring entrepreneurship for a better tomorrow.

Organized by: Business Incubation Centre (BIC), MUST

Innovista, in collaboration with Business Incubation Center MUST proudly presents Pakistan’s Premier National Tech Startup Competition discovering and empowering the next generation of innovators.
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The Business Incubation Center (BIC), MUST had the distinct privilege of visiting Mangla Power Station, where the team was warmly received by Chief Engineer Engr. Muhammad Tariq, along with Mr. Mohsin Saleem and Mr. Muhammad Ali Bin Manzoor, both serving as AXENs (Assistant Executive Engineers) at the Power Station.

We extended heartfelt congratulations to Engr. Muhammad Tariq on assuming the role of Chief Engineer Mangla — a proud moment for MUST, as he is a distinguished alumnus of the Department of Electrical Engineering.

The visiting BIC delegation included:
Dr. Sohaib Manzoor – Director BIC
Mr. Arsalan Ijaz – Manager Marketing & Communication
Mr. Nasir Mehmood – Business Development Officer
Mr. Zahid Mehmood – Accounts Officer

The visit focused on enhancing industry-academia linkages through collaborative initiatives, including:
Internship and technical training opportunities for students
Joint R&D projects in the energy sector
Commercialization pathways for university-developed innovations
Real-world testing of energy-related prototypes
Showcasing energy startups incubated at BIC
Mentorship and support for renewable energy ventures
Innovation challenges, hackathons, and capacity-building workshops
Exploring the signing of an MoU for a long-term strategic partnership

This meaningful engagement is a step forward in bridging the gap between academia and industry—advancing our shared vision of driving innovation and sustainable transformation in Pakistan’s energy ecosystem.

In alignment with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan’s vision to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across academic institutions, a delegation from the Business Incubation Center (BIC), Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST), visited the Business Incubation Centre at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) for a knowledge-sharing and benchmarking visit.

The visiting delegation was led by Dr. Sohaib Manzoor, Director BIC, and included Mr. Arsalan Ijaz (Manager Marketing and Communication), Mr. Nasir Mehmood (Business Development Officer), and Mr. Zahid Mehmood (Accounts Officer). The purpose of the visit was to explore best practices in incubation management, student startup facilitation, and entrepreneurship development adopted by IIUI’s BIC.

The delegation was warmly hosted by the IIUI BIC team, led by Engr. Muhammad Ahsen Mirza, Director Business Incubation Centre / Science, Technology and Business Space (STBS), Dr. Munwar Ali Kalwar (Assistant Director, BIC/STBS), and Mr. Jawad Saeed (Coordinator, BIC/STBS).

During the visit, the IIUI team provided a detailed briefing on the structure, initiatives, and impact of their incubation ecosystem. The session covered strategic areas such as startup incubation models, mentorship programs, resource allocation, and student engagement in entrepreneurial activities.

The MUST delegation toured the incubation facility, interacted with incubated startups, mentors, and operational staff, and gained valuable insights into the operational dynamics and success strategies employed at IIUI. Discussions also addressed the challenges faced by early-stage entrepreneurs and the role of universities in providing enabling environments for innovation.

Dr. Sohaib Manzoor and his team appreciated the professional setup and impactful initiatives of IIUI’s Business Incubation Centre. He acknowledged the center’s significant contribution in promoting a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation among students, and in facilitating the growth of viable business ventures.

Both institutions expressed a mutual desire to establish stronger linkages through formal collaboration, joint activities, and continuous knowledge-sharing to further strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in higher education.

The visit concluded on a positive note with a shared commitment to contribute collectively toward national development through innovation-led entrepreneurship.

The team from the Business Incubation Center (BIC), Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST), visited the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan for a strategic meeting with Mr. Waheed Khizar, Assistant Director, Research & Development Wing.

The delegation, led by Dr. Sohaib Manzoor (Director BIC), comprised Mr. Arsalan Ijaz (Manager Marketing and Communication), Mr. Nasir Mehmood (Business Development Officer), and Mr. Zahid Mehmood (Accounts Officer).

The meeting centered on key areas of mutual interest, including the BIC scorecard, sustainability model, expansion strategy, entrepreneurship workshops, community outreach initiatives, the forthcoming HEC annual meeting, and the launch of the next startup incubation cohort.

Mr. Waheed Khizar commended the exceptional performance of BIC MUST and acknowledged the positive feedback received from various stakeholders regarding its impact. He encouraged the BIC MUST team to assume a leadership role in facilitating the establishment of incubation centers across universities in the AJK region.

He also provided valuable guidance on developing a robust sustainability framework to ensure the long-term viability and growth of the center.

The meeting concluded on a high note, reaffirming BIC MUST’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship and strengthening its role as a regional hub for startup development and support.

𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐮𝐫 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 (𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐓)!
𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗝𝗞

The Business Incubation Center (BIC-MUST) proudly hosted the Prime Minister’s Perfect Pitch Startup Roadshow — a flagship initiative under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and Higher Education Commission (HEC). This nationally televised event marks a historic milestone for the entrepreneurial landscape of Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

MUST was selected as the official host university for the AJK region — a moment of immense pride and responsibility, made possible by the visionary leadership and unwavering support of the Honorable Vice Chancellor, Brigadier (R) Muhammad Younus Javed, SI(M). Without his encouragement and commitment, this impactful event would not have been possible.

The event commenced with a soulful recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a warm and visionary address by Dr. Sohaib Manzoor, Director, BIC-MUST, who emphasized the critical role of academia in fueling startup culture.

The highlight of the day was the presence of Mr. Abdullah Soomro, Project Director, and Dr. Waqas Ali, Deputy Director, Prime Minister’s National Innovation Award (PMNIA), who graced the event as distinguished guests.

Mr. Soomro captivated the audience with an empowering session on “How to Pitch Your Business Idea”, equipping students with real-world strategies, actionable advice, and the confidence to chase their entrepreneurial dreams. The interactive Q&A that followed sparked curiosity, passion, and powerful dialogue among the youth.

This event was not just a showcase — it was a movement. A powerful reminder that the future of Pakistan lies in its ideas, its youth, and its belief in transformation.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme for trusting MUST with this national platform — and for investing in the untapped potential of the changemakers of AJK.

A delegation from the Business Incubation Center (BIC), led by Dr. Sohaib Manzoor (Director, BIC), along with Mr. Arsalan Ijaz (Manager Marketing & Communication), Mr. Nasir Mehmood (Business Development Officer), and Mr. Zahid Mehmood (Accounts Officer), paid an insightful visit to the Department of Home Economics.

During the visit, the team reviewed an impressive display of final year projects presented by students from the Fashion & Designing, Human Nutrition, and Arts programs. The work showcased creativity, innovation, and practical application of academic knowledge, reflecting the students’ commitment and talent.

The BIC team was warmly welcomed and accompanied by Prof. Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, who also toured the exhibition and appreciated the students’ efforts.

Following the exhibition, a productive meeting was held between the BIC team, Prof. Dr. Zafar Iqbal, and the Head of the Department of Home Economics. The discussion centered on future collaborative ventures, including:
• A Summer School for Children with engaging programs in Art, Human Nutrition, and Fashion & Designing.
• Educational Exposure Visits to leading institutions across Pakistan to enhance students’ learning and professional outlook.
• Regional and National Exhibitions to showcase and celebrate the creative achievements of students in Home Economics.

These initiatives will be executed in collaboration with the Business Incubation Center and are in line with BIC’s mission to foster student empowerment and strengthen industry-academia partnerships.

The BIC looks forward to implementing these plans and providing enriched opportunities for the students of Home Economics.

A delegation from the Business Incubation Center (BIC) at Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST) visited the New Industrial Estate in Mirpur, AJK. The team was warmly received by Madam Farzana Nasir, Project Manager and Deputy Director at the Industries Department.

Delegation Members:
Dr. Sohaib Manzoor – Director, BIC-MUST
Nasir Mehmood – Business Development Officer, BIC-MUST
Zahid Mehmood – Accounts Officer, BIC-MUST

Objective of the Visit:
The primary focus of the visit was to explore potential avenues for Academia-Industry collaboration. Discussions centered on bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application, with an emphasis on student engagement, entrepreneurship development, and joint projects that support regional economic growth.

Such collaborative efforts are pivotal in cultivating a culture of innovation and building sustainable partnerships that benefit both academic institutions and the industrial sector.

Exciting News for MUST Students & Innovators!

The Perfect Pitch Roadshow — Pakistan’s biggest startup TV show — is coming to Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST) in collaboration with the Business Incubation Center (BIC), MUST!

Powered by the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and HEC, this is your exclusive chance to experience the excitement of youth-driven innovation, right here on campus.

Date: Thursday, 3rd July 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Venue: Mechanical Hall, Main Campus, MUST

Compete for millions in prize money
Get featured on national television
Connect with top investors & business leaders
Boost your startup visibility & networking opportunities

Whether you’re a dreamer, a founder, or just curious about the startup ecosystem—this is your moment!

Register now (FREE):
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNTBLdt5GKgIuL2ovGkFIUJYmmlrTqOfYxWAzNyUNGJnzHpA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=107013121291937062677

Don’t miss this game-changing opportunity to get inspired, learn, and maybe one day pitch your own dream to the world!