Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC)
University of Loralai
In an era where knowledge defines progress, universities are no longer confined to teaching alone; they are engines of research, innovation, and socio-economic transformation. At the University of Loralai, the Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) serves as the institutional backbone for nurturing a vibrant research culture and translating academic inquiry into meaningful societal impact.
Established in line with the policies and guidelines of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, ORIC at the University of Loralai is committed to strengthening research excellence, fostering innovation, and enabling commercialization of knowledge. The office plays a pivotal role in empowering faculty members, researchers, and students to address regional and national challenges through impactful, ethical, and solution-oriented research.
Situated in a historically underserved region, ORIC recognizes its responsibility to align research with local needs while contributing to national development agendas. Through strategic collaboration with industry, government, and communities, ORIC aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that research outcomes lead to sustainable development, economic growth, and social well-being.
Message from the Director ORIC
Mr. Aslam Zaib
University of Loralai
Welcome to the Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization at the University of Loralai.
Research and innovation are the foundations upon which progressive societies are built. At ORIC, University of Loralai, our vision extends beyond publications and projects—we aspire to create impact, empower ideas, and transform knowledge into solutions that matter.
Serving a region rich in potential yet facing unique challenges, we view research as a powerful tool for development, inclusion, and sustainability. Our commitment is to facilitate meaningful research that addresses real problems, strengthens industry linkages, and opens pathways for innovation and entrepreneurship.
ORIC is dedicated to supporting our faculty, researchers, and students by providing guidance, opportunities, and an enabling environment rooted in integrity and excellence. We encourage collaboration, creative thinking, and ethical research practices that align with national priorities and global standards. Together, we aim to position the University of Loralai as a contributor to Pakistan’s knowledge economy and as a catalyst for positive change in Balochistan and beyond.
I invite all stakeholders to engage with ORIC and be part of this collective journey toward innovation, impact, and sustainable development.
Vision
To establish the University of Loralai as a center of research excellence and innovation that generates knowledge-driven solutions, promotes sustainable development, and contributes meaningfully to regional and national progress.
Mission
The mission of ORIC, University of Loralai, is to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive research ecosystem that promotes innovation, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, and supports the commercialization of research outcomes. We strive to enhance the research capacity of faculty and students by providing strategic guidance, funding facilitation, and ethical oversight, while ensuring that research activities respond to societal needs and development priorities.
The Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) at the University of Loralai operates as a strategic facilitation and implementation unit to promote research excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic development. Its scope encompasses the following key domains:
- Support faculty members and researchers in initiating, conducting, and managing high-impact and policy-relevant research projects.
- Facilitate access to national and international research funding opportunities, including HEC, government bodies, and donor agencies.
- Promote interdisciplinary, applied, and demand-driven research aligned with regional, national, and societal needs.
- Ensure compliance with ethical, institutional, and HEC research standards, policies, and quality assurance frameworks.
- Encourage idea generation, design thinking, and innovative problem-solving among faculty and students.
- Support entrepreneurial initiatives emerging from academic research and student-led innovation.
- Facilitate the development of prototypes, pilot projects, and proof-of-concept studies.
- Promote a culture of innovation, creativity, and startups among students and early-career researchers.
- Assist researchers in intellectual property (IP) identification, protection, and management, including patents, copyrights, and trademarks.
- Enable commercialization of research outputs through licensing, spin-offs, startups, and industry collaboration.
- Bridge the gap between academic research, industry demand, and market needs through structured technology transfer mechanisms.
- Establish and operationalize a Business Incubation Center (BIC) to support startups, spin-offs, and entrepreneurial ventures.
- Provide incubation services including mentorship, business development support, market access, and investor linkages.
- Support entrepreneurship-focused initiatives such as NAVTTC programs, DigiBizz, and other youth skill development and digital entrepreneurship schemes.
- Promote agribusiness incubation, particularly in olive value chains and region-specific agricultural products.
- Strengthen collaboration with public sector organizations, private industry, NGOs, and development partners.
- Promote joint research projects, consultancy services, and contract research.
- Align university research and innovation activities with regional development priorities, government policies, and local industry needs.
- Organize workshops, seminars, and training programs on research methodology, grant writing, innovation management, and commercialization.
- Implement NAHE and HEC-supported capacity-building and training programs in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
- Conduct teacher training programs, including community teacher development initiatives to enhance pedagogical and professional skills.
- Build faculty and student capacity in entrepreneurship, project management, agribusiness development, and applied research.
- Promote agribusiness development and entrepreneurship in agriculture-related disciplines.
- Facilitate training programs for agriculturists, farmers, and extension workers to enhance productivity, value addition, and sustainability.
- Support applied research and innovation in olives and other high-potential crops relevant to the region.
- Organize and host national and international conferences, seminars, and symposia, particularly on olive cultivation, agribusiness, sustainability, and regional development themes.
- Promote dissemination of research outcomes through publications, policy briefs, exhibitions, and academic-industry forums.
- Promote research and innovation aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Translate research findings into practical solutions that benefit local communities and marginalized populations.
- Encourage evidence-based policymaking, social innovation, and inclusive development through applied research and outreach.
