From Classroom to Marketplace, PakBloomia Game Changing Journey

When groundbreaking research remains confined within the walls of academia, its potential for widespread benefit and transformation is severely limited. The consequences of such confinement underscore the necessity of research commercialization to unleash its true value. By translating it into practical applications, we unlock a treasure trove of innovation, fuel economic growth, and benefit society as a whole. One such step was taken by Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed founder of PakBloomia Floriculture Solutions.

Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad, currently serving as Associate Professor at the Institute of Horticulture Sciences University of Agriculture Faisalabad, completed his Post Doc Fellowship from North Carolina State University in post-harvest floriculture. Upon his return, he recognized a void in the availability of high-quality plant production products tailored for research purposes in local nurseries. He engaged in discussions with nursery proprietors, inquiring about their potential needs for enhancing plant production. Turned out, the annual demand for soil-less substrates in Pakistan amounted to a substantial 0.75 million tons.

Recognizing the potential, he experimented with various farm leftovers, perfecting a game-changer: UAF Gro. This indigenous substrate, created from locally sourced agricultural waste, is not only affordable but also available year-round. Unlike costly and often unavailable imported alternatives, UAF Gro is in high demand among kitchen gardeners, lawn enthusiasts, rooftop gardeners, vegetable farmers, greenhouse growers, and seed stores. Certified by Substrate Lab at Purdue University, USA, it’s a groundbreaking solution for all things green.

Dr. Iftikhar has successfully secured a patent for his product and he is gearing up for his first major investment. This will fuel the production capacity for expansion in the global market. In addition to compost, PakBloomia also produces rose water and rare cut flower varieties (flowers used in floral arrangements, bouquets, or as decorative elements) which are not grown in the region and are usually imported.

Dr. Iftikhar’s vision extends beyond the traditional academic role of university faculty. He champions the idea that professors should venture their projects beyond the confines of laboratories, urging them to commercialize their patents, making them accessible to the market. For this he acknowledges the role of business incubators, “I am still a scientist and don’t have the business acumen to scale the company by myself. The NICF team has been connecting us to networks of talented and experienced people who can advise, coach and even invest in PakBloomia.”