The month of March is a notable time for Pakistan any year, it is after all, the month in which our brave forefathers decided to pursue a state of their own. Besides which, it carries with it the thrill of the Pakistan Super League. As it is, we’re all looking forward to the exciting conclusion to the PSL and the amazing parades of Pakistan Day. But before this month draws to a close, another amazing event is set to take place. On the 27th of March, FICS Stage 2 shall commence!

So what is FICS stage 2?

Stage two is the final preliminary screening the shortlisted candidates go through before the competition begins in earnest. At this stage all the selected teams present their vision, idea,inspiration and the possibilities that their idea can create to a panel of industry specialists and academics. These ideas are then scrutinized and measured for their possible benefits to society. The panel also determines the degree to which they might be realized and their potential to be commercialized.  The specifications and requirements for stage two can be viewed at the official FICS website.

Stage 1: the prelude to Stage 2

Stage one of FICS took place in December 2017. All teams hoping to participate in the competition submitted their idea for approval by NUST faculty in the form of a presentation or video and a detailed form. As always, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Student teams hailing from various NUST institutes, submitted more than 300 ideas, all hoping to contribute positively to our society. After what was a very hard decision to take, a smaller group of the most visionary ideas were selected for advancement to Stage 2

Stage 3 and beyond: The final showdown

All the teams that clear stage 2 will battle for the supremacy of their idea at stage 3 in May. Here all the teams will exhibit their idea, brought to life in the form of a working prototype, or a design concept. This battle of wits will cease with the awarding of the cash prize, bringing with it  the conclusion to FICS 2018. If the past is anything to go by, many of the most promising ideas will go on to win more competitions on other forums as well. The best part would be that all these capable visionaries gained their much needed start from FICS, one of Pakistan’s most rewarding platforms.

Written By Noman Zuberi

FICS’18 Team Publications