IIUI LAUNCHES SECOND EDITION OF RESEARCH AND COMMERCIALIZATION SEED GRANT PROGRAM TO PROMOTE INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

In a significant move to augment research and innovation, the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) has launched the second edition of the Research and Commercialization Seed Grant (RCSG) Program under the auspices of the university’s President. This initiative, now in its second cycle, aligns with Target Priority Area No. 2 (Research and Collaborations) of IIUI’s Strategic Plan (2022–2026) and is spearheaded by the Vice President (Research & Enterprise). This program continues to support research and development, prototyping, commercialization, and acceleration through the university’s Business Incubation Centre (BIC), as part of the broader vision to enhance the university’s research ecosystem and foster innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
The RCSG Program is open to all academic disciplines, with a particular focus on projects demonstrating potential for commercialization, innovation, technology development, product development, and entrepreneurial ventures. This grant also supports the social sciences and humanities and particularly welcomes ideas with an interdisciplinary tilt. It has also integrated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its core objectives. The program thus encourages researchers to develop solutions that are not only academically rigorous but also practically relevant, supporting long-term economic, environmental, and social well-being specifically for Pakistan.
Special emphasis is placed on initiatives linked to the BIC Acceleration Program, which supports startups and entrepreneurial ventures. The grant is designed to empower early-career researchers and entrepreneurs while fostering a culture of innovation at IIUI. It aims to provide early and mid-career academics with an opportunity to gain experience in winning grants which can subsequently provide the groundwork for their future research endeavours. Faculty members, startups, or acceleration projects affiliated with IIUI are eligible to apply, provided they have not received prior funding from other sources.
While the program prioritizes early-career researchers, such as Teaching and Research Associates (TRAs), Lecturers, and Assistant Professors, it is not exclusive to this group. Projects typically span one year, with a maximum duration of two years permitted in exceptional cases, provided there is valid justification and significant value addition. The maximum funding available per project is Rs. 350,000, though the grant does not cover costs related to paper publication, honoraria for Principal Investigators (PIs), or the purchase of IT equipment such as laptops, printers, or scanners. Additionally, projects may engage one student at a remuneration of Rs. 10,000 per month for a maximum period of six months.
The RCSG Program underscores IIUI’s commitment to advancing research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, as outlined in its Strategic Plan (2022–2026). By providing financial support and resources, the university aims to nurture emerging talent, drive commercialization of research outcomes, and contribute to the development of a knowledge-based economy. This initiative is expected to have a transformative impact on the university’s research ecosystem, fostering collaboration between academia and industry while positioning IIUI as a hub for innovation and enterprise in the region. Proposals submitted for this grant are subjected to a rigorous and transparent review process so that the most viable projects are granted funding in a transparent manner.
Soft copies of proposals, using the prescribed form (Proposal Template), along with the budget, CVs, and a plagiarism report for the proposal, must be submitted to the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC), IIUI, no later than February 17, 2025. Submissions should be sent to [email protected].
For further details, applicants are encouraged to contact ORIC or visit the official IIUI website.