Industria, Innovación e Infraestructura

The Faculty of Geosciences Engineering held a follow-up meeting on the 2026 innovation indicators, in coordination with the Office for the Transfer of Research Results, with the aim of identifying projects with the potential to be registered as intellectual property. As a result, five initiatives and actions were identified to strengthen innovation management and advance progress toward meeting institutional indicators.

The Faculty of Geosciences Engineering at the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral reviewed proposals for the interdisciplinary course in Civil Engineering to ensure the quality and relevance of the projects for PAO I 2026. This activity strengthened academic planning and promoted practical training aimed at solving real-world challenges in the professional environment.

FICT strengthened its research capabilities through an academic visit to the Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, where specialized equipment and instrumentation were evaluated for possible implementation at ESPOL. The experience made it possible to identify opportunities for improvement in the laboratories, promote technological upgrades, and strengthen geotechnical training and research in accordance with international standards.

ESPOL is strengthening research on sustainable mining through a technical visit to the University of Huelva, where advanced analyses of mining tailings were conducted to assess the potential for recovering critical minerals; the initiative promoted international scientific cooperation and the development of solutions aimed at the responsible use of mineral resources.

FICT ESPOL launched the IDEAL+ Academy, an initiative developed in partnership with IDEAL Alambrec to strengthen technical training and industry ties in civil engineering; the program includes specialized modules and technical field trips that will enable students to acquire applied knowledge in construction and innovative solutions for the sector.

FICT ESPOL professor Carola Gordillo, Ph.D., will participate as an international speaker at CILA Monterrey 2026, where she will present a technical analysis on sustainable and climate-resilient road infrastructure; her participation strengthens the presence of Ecuadorian civil engineering in international forums on research, innovation, and road sustainability.

The FICT Mining Program held an academic planning and strategic follow-up meeting to review progress, opportunities for improvement, and actions aimed at strengthening the program. During the session, participants discussed topics related to employability, accreditation, improvement plans, and the development of the future Master’s program in Sustainable Use of Mineral Resources.

The Faculty of Geosciences Engineering (FICT) at the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral launched the third cohort of its online Master’s Program in Seismic-Resistant Civil Structures, marking the start of a new educational program focused on specialization in structural engineering and seismic resilience.

The patent for the “Hydromechanical Concrete Shrinkage Measurement Device” was presented at the World Genius Convention & Education Expo 2026 in Tokyo, where it won a Gold Award and a Special Award. The device, which is low-cost and can be used in both laboratory and field settings, represents a breakthrough in the practical measurement of concrete shrinkage, demonstrating the international impact of Ecuadorian academic innovation through the collaboration between UTE and ESPOL.

Professor Rafael Cabrera has obtained his Remote Pilot License. This certification aims to strengthen FICT ESPOL’s technical and research capabilities in the use of drones for engineering, surveying, and territorial analysis; it also promotes the integration of emerging technologies into academic and scientific projects, benefiting students’ practical training and the development of innovative solutions.