Monday, 26th January 2026

Lahore — Riphah International University successfully organized the Riphah Innovation & Wellness Fest (RIWF) 2026 as a flagship, week-long institutional initiative at the Gulberg Campus, Lahore. Designed as an integrated platform, the fest brought together healthcare, innovation, entrepreneurship, employability, academic engagement, industry collaboration, alumni relations, wellness, and community inclusion under one umbrella.

RIWF 2026 attracted over 12,000 participants, including students, faculty members, alumni, healthcare professionals, industry representatives, entrepreneurs, and members of the general public, making it one of the most impactful events in the university’s history. The fest aimed to promote preventive healthcare awareness, encourage innovation and experiential learning, enhance student employability, strengthen industry–academia–alumni linkages, foster community engagement, and recognize institutional excellence and human capital.

The event commenced with a formal inauguration ceremony led by Prof. Dr. Javed Akram, CEO Akram Medical Center, along with Mr. Muhammad Umer Farooq, Regional Director, Riphah International University. The ceremony was attended by senior university leadership, distinguished guests, industry representatives, faculty members, and stakeholders, highlighting Riphah’s vision of holistic education, innovation-driven growth, and societal wellbeing.

Key Highlights of RIWF 2026

Free Medical Camp & Health Screening Services

A central pillar of the fest was the Free Medical Camp, which directly benefited over 1,500 community members. Qualified doctors, specialists, and healthcare professionals—including physicians, physical therapists, dieticians, speech-language therapists, and psychologists—provided preventive health counseling and consultations. Free laboratory tests, ultrasounds, and medicines through a free dispensary significantly enhanced public health awareness and early diagnosis.

Celebrity Talks & Inspirational Sessions

RIWF 2026 featured a diverse series of celebrity and expert talks, attracting large audiences from within and outside the university. Renowned speakers including Qasim Ali Shah, Sarah Chaudhry, Nighat Hashmi, Mugheera Luqman, Saba Butt, Noshaba Hassan Murad, Fareed Ahmad, Abdul Waris, Fadia Kashif, Amantullah Tariq, Saima Asghar, Fareeha Mela, Rabi Pirzada, Haseeb Khan, and Mushtaq Ahmad shared insights on leadership, ethics, personal development, innovation, entrepreneurship, media, and career growth. Interactive discussions and Q&A sessions enabled direct student engagement.

Startup Bazaar

The Riphah Startup Bazaar, organized over three days, showcased approximately 60 student- and alumni-led startups. The bazaar was inaugurated by Sir Hassan Muhammad Khan, Worthy MT/Chancellor IIMCT, Riphah International University. Entrepreneurs gained exposure to investors, mentors, and potential customers, promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical business learning.

Intervarsity Competitions & Recognition

Under the 3rd Riphah Intervarsity Competitions, 25 universities from across Pakistan participated in 8 competition categories, including food product development, poster design, cooking, food-ography, entrepreneurship, short story writing, short fiction video, English comic, AI video, and open quiz competitions. Around 300 students took part, with winners receiving cash prizes and certificates, fostering creativity, teamwork, analytical thinking, and confidence. 

Job Fair & Career Advancement Hub

The Job Fair served as a vital bridge between academia and industry, with approximately 100 national and multinational organizations participating. Students and alumni benefited from career counseling, networking, internships, and recruitment opportunities, with more than 20 Riphah students securing job placements during the fest.

Sports, E-Gaming & Student Wellness

A dedicated Sports and E-Gaming Pavilion operated throughout the week, promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, teamwork, and healthy recreation. Activities such as scavenger hunts, cricket, badminton, football, and ludo tournaments received enthusiastic participation.

Industry Engagement & Strategic Networking

High-level engagement was facilitated through a CEO’s Dinner and Networking Session, bringing together CEOs, industry leaders, and university management for strategic dialogue and partnership development. In addition, Industry Roundtables addressed emerging trends, workforce skill requirements, and sector-specific challenges, strengthening industry–academia alignment.

Public Awareness, Alumni Engagement & Institutional Excellence

Public awareness seminars focused on health, innovation, entrepreneurship, and social development empowered participants with practical knowledge. Alumni Roundtables strengthened alumni-student mentorship and professional networking, while an Employee Award Ceremony recognized the outstanding contributions of faculty and staff, reinforcing a culture of excellence.

Family Engagement, Food Bazaar & Work Village Inauguration

Family-friendly activities and children’s learning zones ensured inclusivity, while the Food Bazaar added cultural vibrancy and hands-on business experience for students. A major institutional milestone was the inauguration of the Work Village, a dedicated innovation and business support unit aimed at facilitating startups, freelancers, and student entrepreneurs through long-term mentorship and collaboration.

RIWF 2026 not only achieved its stated objectives but also established a strong foundation for the fest to evolve into a signature annual event of Riphah International University, contributing meaningfully to societal development, innovation, and institutional growth.