Industria, Innovación e Infraestructura

M.Sc. Raúl Ortiz, an international petroleum advisor, presented a technical analysis on the strategic role of natural gas in strengthening the country’s energy security, highlighting its potential as a transition source toward a more diversified and sustainable energy matrix. The session fostered academic reflection and technical dialogue on viable solutions to Ecuador’s energy challenges.

Civil Engineering students from FICT–ESPOL carried out a technical visit to major urban road projects in Guayaquil as part of the course Installations, strengthening their practical learning through direct observation of construction processes, project management, and the impact of engineering on mobility and sustainable urban development.

A recent study proposes a passively tuned wave energy converter that significantly improves efficiency and adaptability to different wave climates, outperforming conventional systems and opening new opportunities for sustainable wave energy harvesting.

FICT-ESPOL students participated in an experimental class at the Holcim Innovation Center, where they performed concrete quality control tests and analyzed technical and environmental criteria in mix design, strengthening their hands-on training and focus on sustainability.

FICT-ESPOL held the keynote lecture 'Road Drainage and Resilience in Pavement Design' for Civil Engineering students, delivered by specialist Alberto Jarrín. The event bridged university theory with professional practice, analyzing runoff management and the design of climate-resilient infrastructure to ensure the durability and safety of the country’s roads.

FICT–ESPOL researcher, David Enrique Valverde Burneo, from the facultad de ingenieria en ciencias de la tierra, earned a Cum Laude honorable mention following his doctoral thesis defense at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), highlighting the impact and quality of his research on new cementitious materials.

ESPOL’s FICT has secured funding in the 2025 CEDIA R+D+i Universities Call for the project: 'Evaluation of the recovery potential of critical minerals present in mine tailings.' The research will be conducted in 2026 and will address the responsible management of mining waste and the recovery of strategic minerals, featuring a team led by FICT faculty in collaboration with both national and international universities.

ESPOL’s FICT is gearing up for THE FINAL PITCH, an academic event where five finalist Capstone Projects from the Petroleum Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Civil Engineering programs will showcase their ability to communicate innovative proposals that address real-world national challenges. The event aims to strengthen communication, argumentation, and presentation skills, promoting innovation and the comprehensive training of future professionals.

Master of Civil Engineering students from FICT–ESPOL participated in a technical site visit to the 'La Toma' Raw Water Pumping Station in Guayaquil to study the SAICA Network’s infrastructure and its real-time quality monitoring systems. The visit served to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, enhancing technical competencies and exposing students to the operational management of large-scale water supply networks.

FICT–ESPOL researchers conducted a field trip to the Minas San Francisco Power Plant to carry out geoelectrical studies focused on subsurface characterization and geotechnical risk management. During the visit, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) tests and vertical electrical soundings (VES) were performed. The results will provide key information for technical decision-making, water seepage control, and the safety of the energy infrastructure.