Over the past year, Dr. Ali Rauf, Assistant Professor at LUMS’ Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE), has collaborated closely with Zhejiang Lanyu Digital Technology Co. (ZLDTC) to develop a research agenda focused on digital ink performance and fabric compatibility. This effort has led to new testing capabilities at LUMS, enhancing areas such as color retention and fabric durability.
LUMS and ZLDTC have formalized this partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reinforcing LUMS’ commitment to strengthening industry-academia linkages and promoting applied research to drive innovation within Pakistan’s textile sector.
Dr. Walther Schwarzacher, Dean of SBASSE, emphasized the potential for deeper engagement between LUMS and the textile industry, highlighting opportunities for student involvement and hands-on experimentation aligned with industry needs.
ZLDTC plans to invest USD 200 million in a textile ink manufacturing and supply facility in Faisalabad, where LUMS’ research expertise is expected to provide critical support and local insights.
Afzal Ahmad, Regional Manager Asia at ZLDTC, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership’s potential to foster innovation through academic collaboration.
