Muzaffarabad, (DAILY PAKLISH): AI Geo Navigators officially inaugurated its regional office at the Institute of Geology, King Abdullah Campus, The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, alongside the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry. The initiative marks a significant step towards advancing geospatial intelligence, AI-driven geoscience research, and disaster resilience across the region.
The MoU was signed by Asim Javid, CEO of AI Geo Navigators, and Dr. Rehana Khusar, Associate Professor and Director of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), UAJK, representing their respective institutions. Prof. Dr. Nasir Jamal Khattak, Vice Chancellor of UAJK, attended the ceremony as Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasized the importance of bringing government, academia, and industry together to translate technological innovation into practical solutions and reaffirmed UAJK’s support for the collaboration.
The MoU aims to strengthen academic and professional development through teaching assistance, guest lectures, workshops, joint research initiatives, and career opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Through these activities, AI Geo Navigators and UAJK intend to facilitate knowledge exchange, connect academic learning with industry practices, and provide students with opportunities for internships and potential employment after graduation.
The new regional office will support AI-driven geoscience research and practical applications in landslide assessment, advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, engineering geology and geotechnical investigations. By connecting geospatial technology with local academic expertise, the initiative aims to support disaster risk reduction, environmental assessment, and sustainable development across Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The event brought together representatives from government departments, academic institutions, Community Based Organizations, NGO’s and the private sector.
Distinguished participants included Shafiq Abbasi, Director EPA AJK; Chaudhary Muhammad Fareed, Secretary Forests, Wildlife and Fisheries Department; Dr. Zafar, Director Livestock; Dr. Jahanzeb Khan, Assistant Professor, UAJK; Dr. Yasir Sirfraz, Lecturer at UAJK; Iftikhar Ahmed of the Forest Department; and other representatives from government departments, academic institutions, development organizations, and the private sector.
AI Geo Navigators works at the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning, remote sensing, and geospatial intelligence to develop data-driven solutions for climate risk assessment, disaster resilience, environmental monitoring, and sustainable development. The establishment of its regional office at UAJK creates new opportunities for applied research, institutional collaboration, student development, and locally relevant technological solutions.
AI Geo Navigators extends its appreciation to UAJK’s leadership, the Institute of Geology, and all participating institutions and organizations for their support in establishing this collaboration.