The Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC) at Virtual University of Pakistan (VU) successfully organized "Project/Idea Competition" for VU students on October 22, 2024, at the University's head office in Islamabad (19-Attaturk Avenue, G5/1, Islamabad). The competition was held in three categories including Idea-Based Awards, Continuing Project Awards, and Completed Project Awards for all 5 faculties including Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Computer Science, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Management and Faculty of Science and Technology separately. Participants were permitted to present their submissions in one of the following formats: PowerPoint presentation, poster presentation, or as a working model.

A total of 12 students participated from only three departments i.e., Computer Science and Information Technology, Biological Sciences and Mass Communication. Students participated in the competition from seven different cities of Pakistan such as Rawalpindi, Wah Cantt, Gojra, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Lahore and Hyderabad. The competition was designed to cultivate a research-oriented environment among students, offering them the opportunity to present their projects, organized according to their respective faculties.

The showcased projects highlighted innovation in areas such as Healthcare, Agri-tech solutions, AI-based solutions.
Mr. Muhammad Faizan Raza Memon (BS-Software Engineering, 8th semester student from Hyderabad) with his supervisor Mr. Abdullah Qamar secured first position in the category of Completed Project Awards competition. In other categories no one qualified. Winner (student) will be awarded the cash award of Rs: 75,000/- and Supervisor will get cash award. Rs: 25,000/-. All other students will get participation certificates. The award distribution ceremony will be held very soon.

The competition marked a significant milestone in the University’s ongoing efforts to encourage student research and innovation across all faculties.