LCWU Industrial Open House 2025: Bridging Academia and Industry for Women’s Empowerment
Lahore, May 8, 2025 — Lahore College for Women University (LCWU), through its Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC), successfully hosted the first-ever Industrial Open House 2025, a landmark event designed to strengthen linkages between academia and industry while championing the cause of women’s empowerment in STEM and allied fields.
The Open House brought together a vibrant display of 56 innovative, interdisciplinary student projects, reflecting the technical acumen, creative problem-solving, and entrepreneurial spirit nurtured at LCWU. From forward-thinking digital solutions to sustainability-driven innovations, these projects showcased the university’s commitment to translating academic learning into practical and impactful community solutions.
The Industrial Open House at LCWU featured the active participation of diverse industry partners, highlighting strong academia-industry collaboration. Leading companies such as Servis Shoes, ChenOne, FUTEX Engineering, and Exelon showcased opportunities in fashion, retail, engineering, and innovation. Participants from the health and wellness sector included Study Planners Lahore, BM (Pvt) Ltd, Jahaan, My Health Pharma, BHP Homoeo, and Sonexo Laboratories. Nasksoft Pvt. Ltd. represented the tech sector, while Trade with Pace, Shaheen Advisors, and RISEN contributed insights from business and consultancy. Atco Laboratories, The Health Foundation, Awami Laboratories, and French Aesthetics further enriched the health sciences segment. Their collective presence significantly contributed to knowledge exchange and strengthened industry-academic linkages.
The Industrial Open House at LCWU extended invitations to a distinguished panel of honorable guests from diverse sectors, enriching the event with their expertise and guidance. Notable invitees included Ms. Maria (GM, ChenOne), Mr. Arif Saeed (CEO, Servis Industries), Prof. Dr. Tahir Izhar (Director R&D, Maxell Pvt. Ltd.), and Mr. Amir Zahoor Khan (Managing Director, EXELON), who shared valuable insights from the corporate and innovation domains. From the engineering sector, Engr. Mr. Amir Sattar (NTDC) contributed his expertise, while the pharmaceutical and health industries were represented by Mr. Irfan (Awami Laboratories), Mr. Asim Rauf (CEO, DRAP), and Mr. Waqas Ashraf (Acme Beauty). Further engagement came from Mr. Waqar (Innovation Pavilion), Ms. Fozia Badar (Granni’s Kitchen), and Mr. Usman Ahmad Bhatti (Senior Journalist, Geo News). While some of these esteemed guests joined us physically on campus, others interacted with and advised students virtually, ensuring their presence and input contributed meaningfully to the success of the event.
The Industrial Open House at LCWU showcased an impressive array of innovative and interdisciplinary projects from across the university’s academic departments. From the Department of Biotechnology, students presented forward-thinking ideas such as CharTech, eco-friendly biosurfactants, and probiotic solutions for gut health. The Department of History contributed socially relevant and culturally rich projects including the Belt and Road Initiative’s historical roots, the rise of women’s cricket in Pakistan, and Bolna Seekhiye. Creative design disciplines shone through with projects like Vocatio (Graphic Design), سرراۓ مہمان (adaptive reuse by Interior Design), and Soulful Resonance and ESPORTS ARENA (Architecture). The Department of Electrical Engineering exhibited a variety of technology-driven solutions such as Raybot, Anti Sleep Alarm, Swift Cart, and OBE Evaluation System. Meanwhile, Software Engineering students developed digital innovations like TechAuthentic8, Ease Mind App, CareerIT, and a Cotton Disease Detection System. Projects in Public Administration and Business addressed sustainability and convenience with ideas like Eco Carry, Schedulix, TerraClean, and DispoGreen. The Department of Pharmacy introduced unique health products including Omega-3 & Biotin cookies, herbal face masks, and iron-containing lollipops. From TESOL to Arabic calligraphy, and Economics to Environmental Sciences, each department brought forward thought-provoking and impactful projects. A remarkable highlight was the contribution of K-BIC (Khadija Business and Incubation Center), which featured over a dozen entrepreneurial startups such as Joindor, AttendEase, InnovaNest, and Agro Endure+, reflecting the university’s growing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and real-world impact.
This impactful event was made possible under the visionary leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Uzma Qureshi, whose dedication to research, innovation, and gender inclusivity continues to elevate LCWU’s standing as a premier women’s university with a national and global outlook.
The successful execution of the Industrial Open House at LCWU was made possible through the collective efforts of the ORIC team, led by Prof. Dr. Faiza Saleem (Director ORIC), with key contributions from Dr. Faiza Iftikhar (Senior Manager Industrial Linkages), Dr. Moneeba Iftikhar (Publication & Communication Specialist), Dr. Nudra Malik (Senior Manager Research Operations), Ms. Saima Gulzar (Research Officer), and Ms. Salaha Shaukat (Deputy Registrar). Valuable support came from committee members, ORIC focal persons across departments, and a dedicated team of volunteers who ensured smooth coordination and execution. Special thanks to Ms. Momna Javed (Computer Operator), Ms. Laiba Khalid (Volunteer), and Mr. Fahad Nisar (Lab Attendant) for their essential technical and logistical assistance. The event was further enhanced by the generous sponsorship of ECS, whose support played a crucial role in its success. The LCWU Industrial Open House 2025 stands as a proud milestone for the university—bridging education with enterprise, empowering women with real-world opportunities, and setting the tone for a future where academia and industry co-create sustainable, inclusive progress