Engineering students tackle industry and sustainability challenges

Student engineers in Pakistan pitched innovative solutions ranging from urban food security to AI-powered manufacturing at IMechE Pakistan Group's Speak Out for Engineering (SOfE) Nationals 2026 competition.

Hosted by the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore, the competition gave students the opportunity to develop one of engineering's most important professional skills: communicating complex technical ideas clearly and convincingly.

Future engineers present real-world solutions

Five students presented on self-selected engineering topics, demonstrating the breadth of innovation emerging across mechanical, civil and manufacturing engineering.

Among the ideas showcased were:

• an integrated solar-powered hydroponic system to improve urban food security in Pakistan
• an AI-powered dashboard to identify inefficiencies in labour-intensive manufacturing
• modular construction methods using more sustainable building materials
• a digital twin model to optimise carbon capture from generator emissions
• machine learning techniques to predict aerodynamic performance as an alternative to computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations.

Together, the presentations highlighted how emerging engineers are applying digital technologies and sustainable design to address real-world engineering challenges.

Winners announced

Following questions from the judging panel, the awards were presented to:

• Winner: Wajeeb ur Rehman
• Runner-up: Anusha Baig

Building confidence alongside technical expertise

Alongside the competition, attendees heard how the IMechE Pakistan Group supports engineers throughout their careers, including membership pathways and opportunities to become involved with local activities and volunteering.

The Young Members Panel also highlighted recent initiatives including the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Challenge and the Abul Kalam Design Challenge, encouraging students to continue developing their technical knowledge, leadership and communication skills beyond university.

Closing the event, Hassan Ghayasuddin Ansari CEng FIMechE, Chair of the IMechE Pakistan Group (North Panel), reflected on the enduring importance of Speak Out for Engineering, which has been helping engineers develop their presentation and communication skills for more than six decades.

He emphasised that the ability to communicate technical ideas effectively is essential for engineers looking to influence decision-makers, secure investment and turn innovative ideas into real-world impact.