Industria, Innovación e Infraestructura

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.

FICT researchers from ESPOL presented the results of the Specific Geophysics Agreement to CELEC-SUR in Cuenca, during the seminar commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Mazar Hydroelectric Power Plant. The presentation detailed the application of geoelectrical studies in unstable zones, highlighting their contribution to safety, planning, and risk reduction for the country's strategic hydroelectric infrastructure.

As part of their comprehensive training, Petroleum Engineering students from ESPOL conducted a technical field trip to the Pacifpetrol S.A. facilities in Ancón, where they strengthened their knowledge of artificial lift systems, refining, and the innovative use of solar panels in the industry. The activity, led by M.Sc. Christian Sánchez Rodríguez, allowed future engineers to link theory with operational management in mature fields, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4, 7, 9, and 12) by promoting a technical, efficient, and responsible vision of the national energy sector.

FICT-ESPOL successfully hosted the 5MinPitch PAO II 2025 semifinals, where students from Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Civil Engineering presented their capstone projects in five minutes before a specialized jury. This initiative strengthened communication skills and technical argumentation, leading to the selection of five finalist projects focused on solving real-world engineering challenges.

Petroleum Engineering students from FICT-ESPOL participated in a technical debate analyzing the current reliance on Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESP) versus alternative artificial lift systems in Ecuador's mature fields. The activity integrated environmental, economic, and technological impact assessments, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthening critical thinking applied to real-world challenges in the national energy sector.

From January 14 to 17, 2026, a multidisciplinary team led by M.Sc. Kenny Escobar Segovia installed corner reflectors in the Paute sector, Azuay, to calibrate Sentinel-1 satellite signals and monitor ground deformation using DInSAR technology. This strategic initiative aims to ensure the stability of the Paute Integral Hydroelectric Complex and the safety of surrounding communities, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals to strengthen infrastructure and risk management in Ecuador.