Lincoln Corner to be established at Information Technology University in Lahore as partnership between the University and the U.S. Consulate General in Lahore
LAHORE – Information Technology University (ITU) Vice Chancellor Umar Saif and the American embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission Jonathan Pratt signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday to establish a Lincoln Corner at the University’s campus.
“Lincoln Corners present a great opportunity to build bridges and increase mutual understanding between Pakistan and the United States,” Saif said. The corners are partnerships between diplomatic outposts of the United States and selected institutions in Pakistan. Located across universities, public libraries, and other institutions, Lincoln Corners further information about the United States, English language learning, Education USA, cultural programmes and alumni activities.
“Lincoln Corner Lahore will host academic programs, speakers from the United States, and English language activities and cultural events like the Ari Roland Jazz Quartet’s that recently performed at the University,” said Mr. Pratt. He said such spaces facilitated dialogue, countered negative preconceptions and promoted understanding.
Lincoln Corners are partnerships between the Embassy and Consulates of the United States of America and selected institutions in Pakistan. Located within universities, public libraries, and other institutions, Lincoln Corners are platforms for providing information about the United States, English language learning, Education USA, cultural programs, and alumni activities. These spaces promote open dialogue, counter negative preconceptions, and build bridges of understanding. Lincoln Corners offer free access to Wi-Fi, reliable information about the United States through books, magazines, videos, internet, databases, and programs for the general public.
Dr. Saif gave Mr. 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 selected to travel to Austin, TX 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 U.S. Consulate General Lahore through a $500,000 grant, will help connect the vibrant community of entrepreneurs, investors, and the creative community in Austin’s startup scene to those in emerging startup communities in Pakistan.
Twenty-eight entrepreneurs will travel to Austin for the ATX+PAK which connects the vibrant community of US entrepreneurs and investors with emerging startup scene in Pakistan. Launch sessions which will occur at least twice per year in concert with incubation cycles at Plan 9/ Plan X. Participants will 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.