Events

Organized by: OIC-COMSTECH Technovation Academy
Hosted by: Pardis Technology Park, Iran
Location: Pardis Technology Park, Iran International Innovation District, Tehran

INTRODUCTION

In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, technology and innovation ecosystems play a critical role in driving sustainable development, economic diversification, and competitiveness. Effective innovation ecosystems bring together policymakers, academia, industry, startups, investors, and support institutions to transform ideas into impactful solutions, generate high-value employment, and address complex societal challenges.

Recognizing the growing importance of innovation-led growth across OIC Member States, the OIC-COMSTECH Technovation Academy, in collaboration with Pardis Technology Park (PTP), Iran, is organizing the International Capacity-Building Training Program on Technology & Innovation Ecosystem Development, to be held from 14–25 April 2026 at the Pardis Technology Park, International Innovation District, Tehran.

This intensive, practice-oriented program is designed to equip mid- to senior-level professionals with the conceptual frameworks, practical tools, and hands-on exposure required to design, strengthen, and manage innovation ecosystems tailored to their national and regional contexts. Leveraging Iran’s experience—particularly the successful model of Pardis Technology Park—the program will combine expert-led training, technology tours, case studies, and collaborative group work to foster actionable learning and cross-country knowledge exchange among participants from OIC Member States.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the core components and dynamics of innovation ecosystems
• Design context-specific strategies for ecosystem development
• Identify key stakeholders and build effective collaboration models
• Develop funding, policy, and infrastructure roadmaps
• Learn from global best practices and Iranian success stories
• Build an international network of ecosystem builders

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Duration: 10 Days

Daily Schedule:

• Workshops;
• Tech tours;
• Expert panels;
• Group projects;
• Networking sessions;
• Iranian culture experience;

BENEFITS

Limited to 20 participants from OIC member countries — Selection is competitive.

• Round-trip international airfare
• Accommodation (shared twin rooms)
• All local transportation (airport transfers & program-related travel)
• Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Training materials & certification of completion
• This program is fully funded for selected participants.
• No participation fee.
• Visa assistance provided.

QUALIFICATION FOR PARTICIPANTS

Eligible applicants include professionals from OIC member states, particularly those working in:

• Government officials & policymakers in science, technology & innovation
• Managers of science & technology parks, technology incubators, and innovation accelerators
• Innovation ecosystem developers & consultants
• Representatives of international development agencies
• Academics & researchers in innovation policy
• Startup ecosystem enablers & investors

Applicants must be fluent in English and committed to implementing learnings in their home ecosystems.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Application form (Download here)

CV/Resume (max. 2 pages in free format)

Passport copy (valid until at least December 2026)

HOW TO APPLY

Applications including the required documents must be submitted via email to events@comstech.org  

Training Coordinators:

Mr. Haris Akram, Program Manager, COMSTECH. (Haris@comstech.org)

Mr. Reza Aslani, Pardis Technology Park, Iran

Registration Link: Click Here

OIC-COMSTECH in collaboration with National Centre for Physics (NCP) is jointly organizing a 5-day “International Hands-on Training Workshop” in advanced analytical instrumentation, scheduled to take place from 20-24 April, 2026, at the NCP campus in Islamabad, this workshop is designed to provide intensive practical training on cutting-edge analytical equipment. Participants will gain hands-on experience with techniques including X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Powder XRD, Electrochemical Workstations, EDX Mapping, and FESEM with STEM mode. The workshop is open to junior faculty and researchers currently pursuing their MS or Ph.D. in the Natural and Biological Sciences. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by the deadline of 6^th April, 2026. Selected outstation participants will be provided with partial travel assistance, accommodation, and meals during the workshop. For further details regarding eligibility and application submission.

Contact Information: 

Tufail Dawar
Program Officer
Email: mtofil@comstech.org
Phone: +923439140306

For More Information: Click Here

Registration link: Click Here

Program: Click Here

UNDERSTANDING THE EXECUTIONERS OF LIFE

April 7-9, 2026
PCMD, ICCBS, KARACHI, PAKISTAN

REGISTRATION FORM: Click Here

REGISTRATION QR CODE

VENUE

Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan.

Flyer in English
Flyer in French
Flyer in Arabic

Date and Time: 7^th April 2025, 10:30 am to 01:00 pm Pakistan Time
Venue: COMSTECH Secretariat, G-5/2, Islamabad.

Flyer: Click Here

Introduction:

Drug discovery and development have entered a new era driven by cutting-edge technologies, innovative methodologies, and a deeper understanding of disease biology. The modern drug development pipeline integrates artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, high-throughput screening, and structure-based drug design to accelerate the identification and optimization of potential therapeutics.

With the increasing complexity of diseases and drug resistance, researchers are leveraging computational modeling, genomics, and personalized medicine to develop targeted and more effective treatments. AI-driven approaches allow for the rapid analysis of vast datasets, improving hit identification, lead optimization, and predictive modeling for drug efficacy and safety. Additionally, advances in biopharmaceuticals, gene therapies, and nanotechnology are transforming the way drugs are designed and delivered.

In this workshop, leading experts will discuss the latest breakthroughs in drug discovery and development, highlighting how modern technologies are shaping the future of medicine and therapeutic innovation.

Brief profile of the speakers:

1. Prof. Ehmke Pohl: https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/ehmke-pohl/
2. Prof. Paul Denny:  https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/p-w-denny/
                                                                                   

Program of the event: Click Here

Participation:

Registration Link: Click Here

Registration outcome will be shared through email, therefore, please give your valid email address.

Participants will receive certificates.

Contact persons,

Ms Khazima Muazim; Program Manager

khazima@comstech.org

Abstract

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical tool for exploring molecular structure and dynamics, with wide applications in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, and materials science. This COMSTECH Certificate Course aims to strengthen the theoretical understanding and practical skills of young researchers and professionals from OIC Member States. The course will enable participants to effectively apply NMR spectroscopy in their research and industrial projects, fostering scientific capacity and innovation across the OIC region.

Objectives

• To provide an understanding of the theoretical principles underlying NMR spectroscopy.
• To familiarize participants with the operation and use of NMR instruments.
• To provide an overview of data analysis and interpretation in NMR studies.
• To foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers from OIC member states.

Target Audience

Researchers, scientists, students, and professionals in:

• Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Pharmaceutical and Material Sciences
• Biotechnology and Molecular Biology
• Analytical and Industrial Research Laboratories

Participants from OIC Member States are particularly encouraged to apply.

Flyer: Click Here

Programme: Click Here

Profile of Speakers:

Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary (H.I., S.I., T.I., Mustafa (PBUH) Prize Laureate)

Coordinator General, COMSTECH
Prof. Choudhary is a globally renowned scientist in natural product chemistry and structural biology, with extensive expertise in NMR-based molecular characterization. His leadership at COMSTECH has significantly advanced scientific cooperation and research capacity among OIC Member States.

Prof. Dr. Atia-tul-Wahab

Professor, H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi
Prof. Atia-tul-Wahab is an expert in NMR spectroscopy and natural product chemistry. Her research focuses on structural elucidation of bioactive molecules using advanced NMR techniques. She has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on analytical instrumentation and data interpretation.

Dr. Humaira Zafar

Assistant Professor, Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, ICCBS, University of Karachi
Dr. Humaira Zafar has authored 7 international publications in the field of enzyme inhibition. She has got training in the field of structural biology using NMR at University of Hamburg, Germany. Her focus is mainly on studying the protein-ligand interactions of therapeutically important enzymes using STD-NMR techniques.

Registration Link: Click Here

Mode: Online
Dates: 26-28 March, 2026
Venue: COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan

Contact Information

Name: Ms. Ayesha Malik
Address: COMSTECH Secretariat, 33-Constitution Avenue, G-5/2, Islamabad
Phone: +92 51 9220681-3
Fax: +92 51 9211115, 9220265, 9205264
Email: pcayesha@comstech.org

Jointly organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH),  Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) in collaboration with

 the Uzbek Agency for Technical Regulation (UzATR) and Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), Kazakhstan

Venue: Uzbek Agency for Technical Regulation, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Date: 12 – 16 May, 2025

Physical Participation: Closed
Virtual Participation: Open

Flyer: Click Here

Introduction

In view of the diversity of several products, including processed food and other items of daily use in the present day, authentication and confirmation of their Halal nature is a growing challenge globally. Beside the environmental contaminants, both biological and chemical, addition of non-halal ingredients, which is prohibited for Muslims, are a matter of concern.  In recent years, awareness about Halal food and products has increased due to the cross contamination of several industrial products in our daily life. However, with increasing globalization, many Islamic countries import these products (or ingredients) from places, which do not observe the Islamic religious laws. It is therefore, imperative for the Muslim countries to establish Halal testing laboratories, which will ensure the ‘Halal’ status of the consumer products.

COMSTECH, SMIIC and other OIC institutions/organizations have been mandated by the Abu Dhabi Declaration (Second OIC Summit on Science & Technology, June 2021) to develop the capacity of Least Developed Countries of the OIC relevant to Halal (Clause # 32). Earlier 3 trainings in different OIC regions i.e Africa (Uganda), Asia (Bangladesh) and North Africa (Morocco) has been successfully completed. The Forth version of the training is placed in Uzbekistan during 12-16 May covering the Central Asian OIC member countries.

Course Objectives

The objective of this training courses is to encourage the harmonization of Halal Standards used in the OIC Countries and internationally by aiding in the adoption and use of the OIC/SMIIC Halal Standards. The training course is designed to train the participants from Central Asian-OIC Member States regarding the procedures for adoption, implementation and use of the OIC/SMIIC Halal Food Standards, mainly:

1. OIC/SMIIC 1:2019 – General Requirements for Halal Food
2. Auditing of Testing Labs in line with OIC/SMIIC 35:2020– Conformity Assessment– General Requirements for the Competence of Laboratories Performing Halal Testing.
3. The Testing Procedures standards such as Test Method for detection of porcine in Food Products (meat, processed food and gelatin) which are being chosen at SMIIC TC1 Technical Committee for Halal food issues.
4. OIC/SMIIC 4 Halal Cosmetics – General Requirements
5. OIC/SMIIC 50-1: 2022 Halal Pharmaceuticals – Part 1 – General Requirements

The aim is to transfer knowledge and skills, and to develop the human capital, while bridging the knowledge gap and enlightening the compliance requirements set forth by the regulatory bodies in the OIC Countries.

Practical session: A practical session will be conducted for a limited number of selected participants to transfer hands-on knowledge in halal laboratory testing methods. 

Who Should Attend?

The training course is designed to address the interest of scientists, research scholars, government officials, statutory policymakers, enforcement officers, and food safety auditors in OIC/SMIIC Halal Products Standards and Testing.

Travel & Local Hospitality:

The organizers will cover the flight tickets and accommodation expenses (7 nights) from Category-1 countries as listed below to attend the training. Please also note that there is a limit of maximum 10 (ten) participants whose expenses will be borne by SMIIC, COMSTECH and IOFS. (Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Albania, Uganda, Pakistan, Türkiye)

 The training is also open to Category II countries as listed below. Limited funds are available to cover accommodation expenses of shortlisted participants from Category II countries. Participants are expected to cover the flight tickets from parent organizations. (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Russian Federation). SMIIC and COMSTECH will arrange local hospitality for selected participants.

The organizers will arrange local hospitality for selected participants. Travel support will be provided to the speaker/resource persons only.

Selection Criteria:

• Chemists, Researchers and Test Specialists high level, no beginners
• At least 3 years of practical experience in Real-Time PCR
• Able to converse and write in the English language
• Hold a permanent position at their institute
• Daily work with the measuring equipment
• Good knowledge in GLP.
• Age between 27 – 45 years old
• Had not previously participated in any course under SMIIC and COMSTECH
• Number of participants is limited and selection is based on the relevancy of the
• Applicant’s job scope to the objective of the programme.

Registration Process:

1. For physical participation register at the following link:
2. For virtual participation register at the following link:  Click Here
3. Read instructions in the application form carefully and submit a properly filled form along with your CV.
4.  Selected candidates will be notified through email; hence, applicants are required to check their emails regularly.

Workshop Coordinators:

Muhammad Haris Akram
Program Manager
COMSTECH, Islamabad.
Email: haris@comstech.org
Phone: +92 51 9220681

Mr. Çağrı Cankurtaran
Specialist
SMIIC, Türkiye.
Email: cagri.cankurtaran@smiic.org
Phone: +90 532 561 63 93

Flyer: Click Here

Registration link: Click Here

The COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence (CCoE) is organizing a special webinar in connection with International Women’s Day to highlight the role of women in scientific entrepreneurship and their contributions to innovation, research, and commercialization.

This webinar aims to encourage greater participation of women scientists, researchers, and innovators by discussing opportunities, challenges, and strategies for strengthening women-led initiatives in science and technology across OIC member states.

Date: Monday, 18 March 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Pakistan Standard Time)
Mode: Online (Zoom) https://zoom.us/j/93531098842?pwd=0wXdlWVANa1fMgrmB5b4DTZ9ZylfIR.1

The session will bring together experts, researchers, and professionals to share insights on empowering women in science, fostering innovation-driven entrepreneurship, and translating research into impactful solutions.

Participants from universities, research institutions, industry, and relevant organizations are encouraged to attend.

The Zoom link will be shared with registered participants prior to the webinar.