KARACHI: Students at Hamdard University (HU) showcased innovative, nutritious and research-based functional food products at the “Food Products Display Activity” on Monday.

The exhibition was organised by the Food Science & Technology Programme of the Department of Applied Sciences, where more than 50 students participated and demonstrated their creativity and scientific expertise by presenting unique food products developed from agricultural byproducts and locally available raw materials.

The activity aimed to provide young food scientists with practical exposure, promote food research and introduce innovative solutions for converting agricultural waste into valuable and healthy food products.

The exhibition featured a wide range of functional foods, including functional beverages, bakery products, confectionery items, jams, squashes, healthy snacks, gluten-free products, fruit-based food items, and several other nutrient-rich products. These products were designed to promote healthy eating habits, improve nutrition, and contribute toward the development of a sustainable food system.

Distinguished academicians, educationists, industry experts, and representatives from various institutions attended the event and visited the students’ stalls. The guests highly appreciated the students’ hard work, research capabilities, creativity, and professional presentation skills. Experts also shared valuable suggestions regarding product improvement, packaging, taste enhancement, marketing strategies, and commercial potential.

Several projects presented during the exhibition reflected strong potential for future food startups and entrepreneurship opportunities. Many students successfully transformed agricultural waste and byproducts into innovative, eco-friendly, and nutritious food products, which could play an important role in the future growth of Pakistan’s food sector.

The exhibition clearly demonstrated that young food scientists can play a vital role in promoting food security, healthy nutrition, and sustainable development through innovation and scientific research.

Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2026