FINDING INNOVATIVE & CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR SOCIETY (FICS)

With the same spirit of Triple Helix + 1, CAC manages a program called “Finding Innovative & Creative Solutions for Society (FICS).” FICS an annual event is aimed at promoting Social Entrepreneurship and adding value through technology-based solutions to social problems. It is flagship program of National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) that encourages Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to devise technology based solutions focusing on social problems. The overriding theme of FICS is to generate benefits for Society, in different areas and domains including Healthcare, Energy, Education, Inclusive Growth, Agriculture, Security, Counter Terrorism, and so on. In line with NUST’s mission to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialization, FICS envisions to become one of the vehicles for National Development by aligning it with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). FICS ensure that a complete support system, i.e., an ecosystem, is provided to help our engineers, social scientists, and bio-technologists grow in the competitive market, and, at the same time, serve the communities around them.

HOW IT EVOLVED?

FICS, started in 2014, now has come a long way and is spread over 6 campuses and 18 constituent Schools, Colleges and Institutes of NUST. In 2020 it witnessed over 230 brilliant and innovative ideas. Over 16,000 students from NUST are given the opportunity each year to pitch their ideas.

HOW IT WORKS?

FICS competition comprises 3 stages.

In Stage 1, student teams submit project synopsis of their unique ideas with positive social impact. These ideas are endorsed by FICS Management after the approval of the respective Faculty Supervisor. Subsequently, the ideas shortlisted in Stage 1 make it to the next stage.

In Stage 2 the student teams present their ideas to a wider audience in the form of PowerPoint presentation. The judges at this stage include Industry Partners; they assess the impact and practicability of the project ideas, and ability to be commercialized.

In Stage 3, the final Stage of the competition, the teams shortlisted in Stage 2 present working prototypes of their solution (alternatively, students can display plant design, equipment design, product design or process design). The judges evaluate the prototypes on various parameters and select the best projects, which are given cash prizes (depending on the projects presented at Stage 3).

 

OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Industry partnership is at the heart of this programme, as FICS involves industry from the very beginning, and keeps them engaged as mentors, judges and sponsors throughout the competition and beyond.

Excited about the event? Help us in organising FICS 2021 by joining student organising committee.  We are also happy to read the ideas that you believe are exceptional. To learn more visit www.fics.nust.edu.pk.