There is a need to ensure a conducive environment and cooperation by the industry, academia and the government to foster a culture of innovation in Pakistan. These views were expressed by Distinguished Innovations, Collaboration and Entrepreneurship (DICE) Foundation Chairman Dr Khursheed Qureshi while talking to PTV. He said that he had remained associated with DICE in the US so he could make free software brands available for third world countries. He said he had considered this opportunity best for the country, and he had brought this technology home to Pakistan. “I began DICE, which is a branding foundation and a non-profit platform to foster the culture of innovation”, he said. He said a $11 million grant had been utilised for the programme with the active cooperation of the Pakistan Higher Education Commission (HEC), and they had channelized and disseminated software in 5 universities so far. He said these innovations would bring about a revolution that should be part of all educational institutes, as their response is quite positive. He hoped for long term positive results and suggested these universities to hold exhibitions and workshops at the end of every month. He said he had been associated with 23 universities where he found highly competitive students. “Students can bring about a revolution of innovation based on imagination” he said. He appreciated the hard efforts of students, who he said, had full potential for innovation. He said the HEC had developed a search oriented environment in academia that was playing a significant role in the field of innovation”, he added. He said DICE would be open to all educational disciplines including health, engineering, physical science, arts and humanities. He said they had invited wide participation and their innovations were very attractive.
