On October 12, 2026, the Institute of Business Management (IoBM) welcomed a delegation from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) as part of its engagement in advancing entrepreneurship education and strengthening collaboration among academia, industry, and international partners.
The visit followed a three-day Train-the-Trainer program initiated by UNIDO’s leadership team in collaboration with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). The program brought together representatives from Business Incubation Centers, Offices of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORICs), institutional leadership, and faculty members involved in entrepreneurship development.
IoBM was represented in the programme by Mr. Raza Abbas, Head of the Shahjehan Syed Karim Incubation Center (SSKIC), and faculty members from the Entrepreneurship Department of the College of Business Management (CBM).
During the visit, IoBM welcomed Dr. Hashim Hussain, Head of UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain, and Mr. Isa Awachi, Associate National Officer. In their meeting with IoBM President Mr. Talib Karim, discussions focused on IoBM’s 30 years of institutional excellence, the university’s Virtual Business Incubation Center, and opportunities for future collaboration. Dr. Hashim also shared insights into the development of a National Strategy for Entrepreneurship Education in Pakistan.
Mr. Raza Abbas presented SSKIC’s vision and its role in nurturing entrepreneurial talent, creating inclusive opportunities, and fostering partnerships through its association with the UNESCO Entrepreneurship Education Network.
The delegation also explored innovative final-year projects developed by students from the College of Computer Science and Information Systems and the College of Business Management. The showcase included Zarai Baramdaat, a technology-driven agricultural supply chain and logistics startup from SSKIC Cohort 3, highlighting the potential of entrepreneurship and innovation to address real-world challenges.
Dr. Hashim engaged with student innovators and startup founders, offering valuable guidance and appreciating SSKIC’s efforts to promote inclusive entrepreneurship and create a meaningful impact on society.
As Pakistan works towards developing a national direction for entrepreneurship education, collaboration among universities, industry, international organizations, and business incubation centers will be essential to translating this vision into practical outcomes. Through SSKIC and its broader academic ecosystem, IoBM continues to support emerging entrepreneurs, encourage innovation, and create opportunities for promising ideas to grow into impactful ventures.
