KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah underscored the critical role of technology and public involvement in national defense during a recent conflict with India, as he addressed the inaugural Sindh Startups Exhibition-2025. The event, a collaborative initiative by the Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), aimed to propel innovation, talent, and future investment in the province.

The exhibition was characterized by its focus on bridging academic research with real-world application, featuring projects from universities across Sindh. Business Matchmaking Round Tables connected young entrepreneurs with investors and industry leaders, fostering potential partnerships. Fifty projects were showcased, with five being recognized for their scalability and industrial potential, each receiving a cash award to support further development.

Chief Minister Shah emphasized the shift from traditional education to innovation-driven learning, urging university leaders to cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship and applied research. He highlighted the province’s substantial investment in higher education, with a development budget that surpasses other regions in the country.

The event symbolized a commitment to creating a sustainable innovation ecosystem in Sindh. It also highlighted the importance of industry-academia collaboration, with notable figures from both sectors advocating for enhanced cooperation to achieve economic self-reliance.

Murad Shah’s remarks celebrated Sindh’s rich historical heritage and recent technological contributions, while stressing the need for universities to produce innovative thinkers and problem solvers. He called for initiatives that encourage student and faculty engagement with industry to foster self-sustainable educational institutions.

The exhibition represents a pivotal step towards a future where Sindh’s educational institutions act as incubators for groundbreaking ideas, driving economic and technological advancement in the region.