LAHORE: Information Technology University (ITU) Vice Chancellor Dr Umar Saif and American Embassy in Pakistan Deputy Chief of Mission Jonathan Pratt signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday, which establishes a partnership between the university and the US Consulate General in Lahore to build Lincoln Corner on the university’s campus.
Located within universities, public libraries and other institutions, Lincoln Corners are platforms for providing information about the United States, English language learning, US education, cultural programmes and alumni activities.
“Lincoln Corner is a great opportunity to build bridges and increase mutual understanding between Pakistan and the United States,” said Dr Umar Saif. Lincoln Corners are partnerships between the Embassy and Consulates of the United States of America and selected institutions in Pakistan.
“Lincoln Corner Lahore will host academic programmes, speakers from the United States, English language activities and cultural events like the Ari Roland Jazz Quartet, which recently performed at the university,” said Pratt. “These spaces promote open dialogue, counter negative preconceptions, and build bridges of understanding.”
Visitors of the these corners would gain free access to Wi-Fi, reliable information about the US through books, magazines, videos, Internet, databases, and programmes for the general public.
In addition to the signing ceremony, Dr Saif gave Jonathan Pratt a tour of the Plan9 incubator and PlanX accelerator facilities, which are projects of the Punjab Information Technology Board and are housed at ITU.
DCM Pratt visited with Plan9 entrepreneurs who are selected to travel to Austin, Texas as part of ATX+PAK, a project that connects Plan9/PlanX with the city of Austin to develop partnerships in support of entrepreneurial activities.
This project, which is funded by the US Consulate General through a $500,000 grant, would help connect the vibrant community of entrepreneurs, investors, and the creative community in Austin’s startup scene to those in emerging startup communities.
Participants would receive one-on-one coaching as well as group training and development from leading entrepreneurship experts and mentor investors tailored to their specific business needs.