The Faculty of Science and Technology Innovation Award (
FINO Award) recognizes an innovative, out-of-the-box action, project or initiative performed by a student or students of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST).
Entering the FINO Award competition is a simple three-step process called "RDS":
1. Recognize:
Innovation occurs anytime and anywhere. Sometimes it is unexpected but most of the time it is as a result of hard work and perseverance. Examples of innovation are:
- A unique solution to a problem encountered in the lab (course or research);
- A unique solution to a problem in a class or tutorial;
- A unique solution at an external location, such as a field trip, at home, charity, in the community, etc.
The hardest part is recognizing your innovation and believing it can make a difference.
2. Describe:
The next step is to describe your innovation. The easy part is explaining the technical details. The hard part is showing why it is innovative and why it makes a difference. Too often, ideas remain hidden because persons are afraid of criticism and the possibility of failure. In reality, this is how we learn and improve.
The
submission form is meant to help you express yourself in a standard format but only you can bring out the beauty of your innovation.
3. Submit:
Finally, you have to submit the completed form. This is in fact the hardest part. Pressing that send button can prove to be more difficult than it seems. It is here that many people change their minds; But remember, success and self doubt are opposites. The fact that you reached this point means that you are ready to share your innovation.
Further Information
For the Academic year 2020-2021, the deadline for the submission of all entries for the competition has been extended to November 30, 2020.
Below are the poster, promotional trailers and a summary
Guide Book that you can share with your friends and colleagues.
Prizes
The FST student, or FST students group, with the most outstanding FINO project/initiative will be awarded a BDS$500.00 prize.
This academic year, a separate category has been created that awards innovations focused on improving the lives of persons with disabilities. The winner of this category will be awarded BDS $300.00.
Regulations
Click here for further information about the regulations and submission dates, and
Click here for the submission form and guidelines on how to submit.
Faculty Innovation and Entrepreneurship Day
The FINO Award Initiative is linked to the Faculty's “
Embrace Your Inner NERD” Initiative where NERD stands for:
- Novel - Be innovative and creative
- Extendable - Be flexible and open minded
- Resourceful - Use whatever is available
- Determined - Never give up
We have redefined the word "
NERD", a well-recognised, negative term, and are using it in a positive light to generate a positive attitude among our students.
The award will be presented to the winner on the Faculty’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship day (also known as
NERD Day).