ISLAMABAD: National University of Sciences & Technology (Nust) on Tuesday held grand finale and prize distribution ceremony for winners of Finding Innovative & Creative Solutions for Society (FICS 2019), a platform to foster socialentrepreneurship.

The overall winner of FICS`19 was Team COMET, who emerged victorious from amongst 298 project ideas pitched during the three-stage competition.

COMET is a communication device that provides off grid communication medium, in case there are no cellular services available.

It will enable one to use one`s mobile phone as user interface.

The winning team was awarded a cash prize of Rs100,000, sponsored by Khushhali Microfinance Bank Ltd. In addition, the winners of eight SDG categories were awarded a cash prize of Rs25,000 each.

A total of 35 finalist teams of FICS `19 demonstrated their prototypes of technology-based innovative solutions to a panel of 16 judges.

Apart from the Prototype Development Fund sponsored by the National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), FICS to have patronage for 8 SDG categories from a diverse set ofindustries.

Addressing the audience, the chief guest, retired Lt Gen Naweed Zaman Rector Nust, emphasised on the role of science & technology universities in improving the lives of communities through technological intervention.