NED University of Engineering & Technology has formally signed an agreement with the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) to become the Lead University for the South Region under the Semiconductor Education & Research Cluster (SERC).

The agreement was signed in Karachi on August 28, 2026, as part of Pakistan’s National Semiconductor Human Resource Development Program (NSHRDP), also known as INSPIRE. The national initiative is designed to strengthen semiconductor education, research, skills development, and industry collaboration in Pakistan.

According to the Pakistan Information Department, the agreement completes the institutional arrangements for Pakistan’s three regional Semiconductor Education & Research Clusters under the program. NED University will lead the South Region, while NUST will lead the North Region and ESUPAK-UET Lahore will lead the Central Region.

NED University and PSEB Sign Semiconductor Agreement

The signing ceremony took place at the Governor House, Sindh, in the presence of senior government officials and representatives from Pakistan’s technology and higher education sectors.

The agreement formally establishes NED University as the regional lead institution for semiconductor education and research activities in the South Region.

The partnership brings together higher education and the national technology ecosystem to develop specialized skills needed for Pakistan’s growing semiconductor sector.

What Is the Semiconductor Education & Research Cluster?

The Semiconductor Education & Research Cluster (SERC) is an important component of the National Semiconductor Human Resource Development Program.

The initiative focuses on developing academic and technical capabilities in semiconductor-related fields. It is intended to strengthen the connection between universities, researchers, students, and industry.

The broader NSHRDP has an approved budget of approximately PKR 4.844 billion, according to the Pakistan Information Department. The program is being executed through PSEB and focuses on developing a skilled workforce for the semiconductor industry.

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NED University to Lead South Region

As the South Region Lead University, NED University will play a central role in semiconductor education and research activities in the region.

NED already has academic programs and research activities related to electronics and engineering. Its Department of Electronic Engineering also lists areas such as integrated circuit design among its postgraduate activities, providing relevant academic infrastructure for semiconductor-related education.

The university has also previously participated in the NSHRDP/INSPIRE ecosystem. In April 2026, the government announced a collaboration involving NED University and GIKI for specialized semiconductor upskilling, particularly in digital design and verification.

Semiconductor Skills and Research Areas

The SERC initiative is expected to support education and research in important semiconductor-related areas, including:

• Integrated circuit (IC) design
• Digital design
• Analog design
• Design verification
• Embedded systems
• Semiconductor research
• Electronic design automation (EDA) tools
• Industry-relevant technical skills
• Academia-industry collaboration

These areas are important for developing professionals who can contribute to semiconductor design and related technology industry.

Opportunities for Students and Researchers

The establishment of regional semiconductor clusters can provide students and researchers with greater opportunities to gain specialized knowledge and practical experience.

Through university-based education, research, training, and industry collaboration, students can develop skills relevant to emerging areas of electronics and semiconductor technology.

NED University’s existing engineering and electronics infrastructure provides a foundation for its role in the South Region. The university currently offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across several engineering disciplines, including Electronics Engineering and Computer Systems Engineering.

Pakistan’s National Semiconductor Development Program

The NSHRDP/INSPIRE is part of Pakistan’s efforts to develop a skilled workforce in advanced technology fields.

The government has described the program as a major initiative for building semiconductor-related human resources and strengthening Pakistan’s position in the global technology ecosystem. The program includes training and collaboration between universities, government organizations, and industry stakeholders.

The completion of the three regional SERC agreements represents an important organizational step in imple

What This Means for Semiconductor Education in Pakistan

The establishment of SERCs creates a regional structure for semiconductor education and research in Pakistan. With NED University leading the South Region, students and researchers in the region will be connected to a national framework focused on advanced semiconductor skills.

The initiative also aims to strengthen cooperation between universities and industry so that academic training can remain connected with the technical requirements of the semiconductor sector.

menting the national semiconductor education framework.

Conclusion

The agreement between NED University and PSEB marks a significant development in Pakistan’s semiconductor education and research framework. NED University will lead the South Region Semiconductor Education & Research Cluster, working as part of the broader NSHRDP/INSPIRE initiative.

With a focus on semiconductor education, research, technical skills, EDA tools, and industry collaboration, the regional cluster framework is designed to support the development of specialized talent in Pakistan’s growing technology sector.