Riphah International University, Gulberg Campus, Lahore has launched its flagship Innovation & Wellness Fest 2026, a seven-day multi-sector event aimed at strengthening academia–industry collaboration while promoting community health and youth entrepreneurship.
Organized under the leadership of Mr. Muhammad Umer Farooq, Regional Director, Riphah International University Lahore, the festival brings together students, academics, industry professionals, healthcare experts, and community organizations on a single platform to translate learning into practice and innovation into impact.
The festival was inaugurated by DG NCHD Ali Asghar and Mr. Hassan Muhammad Khan Chancellor Riphah International University , who emphasized the need for universities to play an active role in national development through applied education, ethical leadership, and community engagement.
A key highlight of the festival is its strong public welfare component, including free medical camps, diagnostic services, nutritional counselling, and physical therapy assessments, organized in collaboration with Chughtai Labs, Alkhidmat Foundation, and Alkhidmat Mobile Dispensary. These initiatives aim to extend healthcare access beyond campus and directly benefit surrounding communities.
The week-long fest features Sports Week, Cultural Day, intervarsity competitions, a startup bazaar, job fair, CEO’s dinner, alumni and industry roundtables, and public awareness seminars, alongside dedicated activities for both male and female students. A children’s learning zone and creative student exhibitions showcasing food, handicrafts, jewellery, and entrepreneurial products further add to the festival’s inclusive character.
The event also marks the inauguration of “Work Village,” a new business and innovation unit designed to support startups, freelancers, and student entrepreneurs.
The Wellness Fest is being attended by prominent national figures, educators, healthcare professionals, and media personalities, including Dr. Javed Akram, Qasim Ali Shah, Sarah Chaudhry, Nighat Hashmi, Mugheera Luqman, Fareeha Zeeshan, and others. Thursday, 22 January 2026, features addresses by senior government officials, industry leaders, and development sector representatives.
Through this initiative, Riphah International University reinforces its commitment to sustainable health, industry-relevant education, and inclusive societal development, positioning universities as active contributors to national well-being rather than passive academic spaces.
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