ISLAMABAD, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday called for building a national innovation ecosystem to accelerate the development of robotics and autonomous systems, announcing new programs and a 20-million-U.S.-dollar venture fund to support indigenous technology.
Addressing the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo here, Sharif said Pakistan aims to become a leading player in emerging technologies by strengthening research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The prime minister announced the launch of the SPARK and Elevate programs to promote the development of robotics and autonomous systems, saying the initiatives would support research, help transform innovations into globally competitive technologies, and generate business and employment opportunities.
Sharif also announced the establishment of a 20-million-dollar Pakistan Venture Fund to help commercialize research and provide financial support to technology startups. ■
