ISLAMABAD, Oct 18 (APP):AI Geo Navigators has officially inaugurated its regional office at the Institute of Geology, King Abdullah Campus, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK), Muzaffarabad, alongside signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry.
The initiative aims to advance geospatial intelligence, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven geoscience research and disaster resilience across the region, according to a press release issued here on Sunday.
The MoU was signed by Asim Javid, CEO of AI Geo Navigators, and Dr. Rehana Kausar, Associate Professor and Director of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (ORIC) at UAJK, representing their respective institutions.
UAJK Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Jamal Khattak attended the ceremony as chief guest.
Addressing the ceremony, the vice chancellor emphasised the importance of strengthening collaboration among government, academia and industry to translate technological innovations into practical solutions. He reaffirmed UAJK’s support for the initiative.
The MoU envisages academic and professional development through teaching assistance, guest lectures, workshops, joint research initiatives and career opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The partnership will also facilitate knowledge exchange, bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practices, and provide students with opportunities for internships and potential employment after graduation.
The newly established regional office will support AI-driven geoscience research and practical applications in landslide assessment, advanced geographic information system (GIS) mapping, engineering geology and geotechnical investigations.
By combining geospatial technologies with local academic expertise, the initiative aims to contribute to disaster risk reduction, environmental assessment and sustainable development across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The event was attended by representatives of government departments, academic institutions, community-based organisations, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.
The participants included Shafiq Abbasi, Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), AJK; Chaudhary Muhammad Fareed, Secretary of the Forests, Wildlife and Fisheries Department; Dr. Zafar, Director of Livestock; Dr. Jahanzeb Khan, Assistant Professor at UAJK; Dr. Yasir Sirfraz, Lecturer at UAJK; and Iftikhar Ahmed of the Forest Department, along with other representatives of development organisations and the private sector.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
