دانشکده فنی فومن

NUST is Pakistan's premier Science & Technology University which is ranked at 334 in the World by QS Ranking. In line with NUST's mission to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization, the university continuously strives to use its knowledge ecosystem to study and solve national issues by actively engaging with relevant stakeholders and bridging the gap between industry and academia.

The university also houses Pakistan's 1st National Science & Technology Park (NSTP) with high-tech Special Economic Status (SEZ), and more than 10 MNCs from 7 countries including Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Our startups have received funding from the likes of Peter Theil and Adam Draper, and our mentors have worked with the US Embassy to support and develop ideas from minorities and women on a national scale.

Today I am writing in reference to our flagship international program titled FICS - Finding Innovative & Creative Solutions - an international entrepreneurial competition held each year since 2013 to develop and foster young minds and bring their ideas to light.

This competition aims to encourage our youth to find technology-based solutions to real-world problems through research and innovation. The top teams are awarded cash prizes along with incubation and technical support.

This is the 10th year of FICS and we have conducted an international pitching event at Gazi University in Turkiye in April in which 20 universities from Turkey took part. Now, the Grand Finale of FICS 2023 will be held at NUST on 22^nd August 2023 which will include huge national and international participation from countries including Turkey, Indonesia, Nigeria and Azerbaijan.

The Grand Finale will provide you with the opportunity to interact with top executives in Pakistan and also exchange ideas with the top teams globally. In addition, the participants will get to see our beautiful country and experience multiple cultural wonders.

I would like to officially invite you to the Grand Finale on 22^nd August 2023 and would request you to please nominate the best startup ideas from your institution to take part in the competition.

I look forward to seeing a meaningful partnership within FICS 2023 since it is well aligned with our common goals and values. Our students all around the world have brilliant ideas, but they need help with investment and access to global markets. I hope we can assist them through this platform to grow further.

The programme overview is attached for your reference. Please let me know if you have any queries.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,

Sana Maqbool

GM - Corporate Relations

National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)

Sector H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan

tel: +92 (051) 90856240, cell: +92 (331) 5120741