The University of Science and Technology (UST) Bannu and the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Peshawar, have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen academia-industry collaboration, promote research and innovation, and enhance the employability and entrepreneurial skills of students and faculty members. The MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Jahanzeb Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Science and Technology Bannu, along with Dr.Hidayat Ullah Khan Director ORIC UST Bannu and Mr. Junaid Altaf, President, Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), along with Mr. Sabir Hussain, Vice President, SCCI Peshawar. The signing ceremony was held at the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Peshawar, on Monday, November 3, 2025. Under the agreement, the SCCI will extend full support to UST Bannu in establishing strong academic-industry linkages. The Chamber will provide research grants for M.Phil and Ph.D. scholars, as well as for joint faculty research projects. Furthermore, SCCI will facilitate internship opportunities for UST students in key sectors, including Information Technology, industry, commerce, business, and e-commerce strategic initiatives. As part of the collaboration, both institutions will jointly organize symposiums, seminars, and conferences focusing on academia-industry partnerships, innovation, and commercialization. A key highlight of this partnership will be the UST Bannu Expo and Ideas 2025–26, which will promote awareness of innovation, entrepreneurship, and business incubation among students, faculty members, and the local community. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Jahanzeb Khan, Vice Chancellor, UST Bannu, appreciated the valuable support of SCCI Peshawar and emphasized that such partnerships play a vital role in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industrial practice. He added that this collaboration will open new avenues for research, innovation, and student career development. In his remarks, Mr. Junaid Altaf, President, SCCI, reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to working closely with higher education institutions for the socio-economic development of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan. He also highlighted the importance of connecting academia with industry to foster sustainable growth and innovation in the region. The ceremony concluded with mutual expressions of commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development through practical academia-industry cooperation.