UMT Students Win Rs1 Million for DNA Testing Innovation in Punjab | ChatZyr
By Editorial Desk | Team ChatZyr
Two students from the University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, have won a Rs1 million prize for a research proposal aimed at making DNA testing more affordable while maintaining quality.
Fatima Azhar and Ariha Akbar, who study in UMT’s Department of Life Sciences, secured first position in the Punjab government-sponsored Youth Innovation Competition 2026. Their project was selected from 154 submissions representing 51 universities across Punjab.
The proposal focuses on reducing the cost of DNA testing, a service used in areas including forensic investigations and identification. If successfully developed and implemented, the approach could help improve access to testing. However, its practical effectiveness and cost benefits still require further development and assessment.
According to published reports, the students presented their work at a meeting chaired by Punjab Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique. Following the presentation, officials decided to take the initiative forward at the government level.
The students will be attached to the Punjab Forensic Science Authority (PFSA) to support further development and implementation of their research.
UMT President Ibrahim Hasan Murad congratulated the students, describing their achievement as recognition of their research efforts and innovative thinking.
The award highlights the role university research can play in addressing practical challenges. The next stage will be to determine how the proposed method performs under real-world conditions and whether it can deliver the intended benefits.
Disclaimer: This report is based on publicly reported information. The proposed DNA-testing method’s performance, affordability and readiness for practical use have not been independently verified by ChatZyr.
Credits: Public reporting by Business Recorder and other published reports.
Written By Editorial Desk | Team ChatZyr
Published on Chatzyr.net
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