The Faculty of Geosciences Engineering (FICT) at ESPOL successfully held the semifinals of the 5MinPitch, an academic event that brought together students from Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Civil Engineering. Participants presented projects developed for their Capstone Course (Materia Integradora), marking the culmination of their undergraduate studies.
The event took place in person at the FICT Satellite Classroom. The schedule began on January 27th with presentations from the Geological, Mining, and Petroleum Engineering programs. Subsequently, on January 28th, Civil Engineering students presented across two sessions, ensuring a structured and thorough evaluation process.
The 5MinPitch initiative stems from the recognition that every professional must develop the ability to communicate and "sell" their ideas clearly, strategically, and effectively. Students were challenged to present their research in a maximum of five minutes before a specialized jury, strengthening core competencies such as technical argumentation, information synthesis, decision-making, and professional communication.
During this semifinal stage, participants showcased innovative proposals designed to solve real-world challenges within their respective fields. Following a rigorous evaluation, the top five projects were selected to advance to the grand final:
Mining Engineering:
"Assessment of the contaminant potential of mine tailings at "El Tablón" impoundment, Ecuador," by Hilary Nirvana Castillo.
Petroleum Engineering:
"Evaluation of operational efficiency in Diesel-II units at the Shushufindi Refinery," by Luis Felipe Garcia.
"Utilization of surplus associated gas from Block 2 for a power generation project," by Diana Mayerli Franco.
Civil Engineering:
"Structural and hydro-sanitary design of the Colonape Cultural Heritage Museum, El Carmen - Manabí," by Kattya Antonella Intriago.
"Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) design for the "Armada del Ecuador" housing development," by Grace Rosales and Jordy Loor.
The finalist projects stand out for their focus on sustainable development and their contribution to addressing contemporary challenges, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13: Climate Action
Through these initiatives, FICT reaffirms its commitment to comprehensive training. This approach focuses not only on technical expertise but also on the essential soft skills required for professional practice, fostering spaces that bridge the gap between academia, environmental challenges, and sustainable development.
