USP and Accelerate Punjab Sign MoU to Strengthen Startup Ecosystem in South Punjab

The University of Southern Punjab (USP), Multan, and Accelerate Punjab, the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen entrepreneurship, innovation, incubation, and startup development in South Punjab.

The MoU marks an important step toward connecting the university’s academic and student talent with Punjab’s broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. The collaboration aims to create more opportunities for students, aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, and emerging founders to develop their ideas, access entrepreneurial support, and advance promising concepts into viable, sustainable ventures.

Prof. Dr. Zahid Chouhan, Director of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) at the University of Southern Punjab, signed the MoU on behalf of USP. In contrast, Mr. Ali Raza Gardezi signed on behalf of Accelerate Punjab.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Rector of the University of Southern Punjab, along with several senior university officials, attended the ceremony. Through this collaboration, USP and Accelerate Punjab will work to foster an environment where students and young entrepreneurs can transform innovative ideas into practical solutions and entrepreneurial ventures. The partnership is expected to help develop a more vibrant and connected startup ecosystem in South Punjab.

The MoU also reflects a shared vision to empower the region’s young talent by strengthening institutional support for entrepreneurship and innovation. It marks the start of a broader collaboration between USP and PITB’s Accelerate Punjab to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs and help position South Punjab as an increasingly dynamic hub for innovation and enterprise.