Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) has been awarded a multi-year grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to establish Pakistan’s first nationally coordinated Artificial Intelligence Hub. The announcement was made on March 18, 2026, marking a historic step for the country’s AI ecosystem.

The new National AI Hub will initially focus on Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) — one of Pakistan’s most pressing public health challenges. In partnership with Aga Khan University (AKU), the hub will develop AI-driven solutions including predictive analytics, multilingual tools, risk prediction systems, and strengthened referral pathways to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. It aims to move beyond short-term pilots and integrate AI directly into national healthcare systems for sustainable impact.

Dr Maryam Mustafa, Associate Professor of Computer Science at LUMS and lead on the project, described the initiative as “a milestone moment for both LUMS and Pakistan.” She added that while MNCH is the urgent starting point, the vision is to build a long-term, responsible national AI platform that can support multiple sectors, capacity building, policy development, AI governance, and local startups.

The hub will also convene government partners, clinicians, researchers, and innovators to align AI with public-interest priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

This grant positions Pakistan among a small group of countries creating coordinated national AI platforms specifically for maternal and child health while laying the foundation for broader development impact.