At Facens, university extension and sustainability are inseparable concepts, aiming to bring the academic community closer to social and environmental challenges. Through its extension programs, Centro Universitário Facens contributes to the promotion of sustainability by sharing knowledge and resources to address relevant issues in areas such as the environment, economic development, health, and more. Our students and professors have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in practical projects, contributing both to the development of future professionals committed to sustainability and to the sustainable development of our planet.
EcoGinc is an engaging and inspiring initiative designed for public high school students. In 2023, over three days, Facens students had the opportunity to be part of a collaborative team, working alongside students from Reverend Ovidio Antonio de Souza State School.
In its fifth edition, EcoGinc had 27 Facens student volunteers, impacting approximately 140 youths and 10 teachers from the school.
Its main objective is to inspire and encourage participants to become agents of transformation in crucial issues such as sustainability, citizenship, entrepreneurship, and conflict resolution. The competition is structured into three distinct stages: Integration, Hands-On, and Celebration.
By participating in EcoGinc, students not only enhance their social skills and teamwork but also make a difference by impacting students, teachers, and the entire community of partner public schools. The event aims to create a movement of engaged young people who believe in the power of their actions to build a better world.
#LISpeloMUNdo is a version of the Model United Nations (MUN) and one of the activities promoted by the Social Innovation Laboratory (LIS). The 2023 edition focused on the theme "Climate Crisis and Environmental Refugees," inspired by events highlighted by the UN between the second half of 2022 and the first half of 2023.
In partnership with the International Relations Department (DRI), Careers, and Enlace, #LISpeloMUNdo provided an in-depth exploration of a globally relevant social theme to the 17 participating students. It offered a practical experience that helped them develop skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, and argumentation. The DRI emphasized the importance of internationalization and being proactive in university activities; Careers reinforced this point, highlighting how participating in the simulation can enhance résumés; Enlace created individual feedback sheets on participants' feelings during the event and offered emotional support.
Facens is the only university in Latin America participating in the "Ecological Belonging" research project, developed by Georgetown University—one of the world's most renowned educational institutions—and The Wellbeing Project, a global network composed of over 1,200 organizations, including grassroots networks, global organizations, foundations, intermediaries, universities, and progressive companies that collectively deepen the knowledge base to place well-being at the center of social change.
The objective is to discuss and establish the field of ecological belonging as an activity and theme to be addressed in course curricula, with the assistance of volunteer students and the exchange of experiences with other universities. In 2023, we had 12 participating students interacting, sharing experiences, and discussing this important topic with other students and change agents from international partners: University of Ljubljana and University of Hawai'i at Mānoa.
The 2023 edition of the Smart Forests project was made possible through the collaboration of four educational institutions—Facens, Newton Paiva, CESUPA, and UNDB. The goal was to develop intelligent and high-impact solutions to improve the quality of life and sustainability of forest communities, through challenges presented to 15 teams composed of students from the four institutions.
For the first time, the project included implementation stages in two biomes: Atlantic Forest in Tapiraí (SP): in collaboration with the local association of rural workers; Amazon Biome on Cotijuba Island in Belém (PA): with the Movement of Women from the Islands of Belém (Movimento de Mulheres das Ilhas de Belém – MMIB). The challenge proposed to the students was to promote solutions with a bioeconomic impact on the communities.
During a hackathon in May 2023, the teams presented their ideas. The top three teams advanced to the final stage, each receiving seed capital of R$8,000 for prototyping their projects.
In July, all students traveled to Sorocaba to use Facens' laboratory facilities and test their prototypes. They then went to Tapiraí to implement solutions in the Atlantic Forest and to Belém to work with the Cotijuba Island community.
Between August and October 2023, the efficiency and impact of the solutions were analyzed. On October 27, the teams presented their results, and Team NATIVA10 won the edition, receiving a prize of R$5,000. Their solution for the Tapiraí community involved creating an intelligent irrigation system powered by solar energy to facilitate daily planting activities. For Cotijuba Island, they developed a tool to ease the collection of fruits from tall trees—a practice rarely performed due to the community being primarily composed of women and children, with harvesting typically done by men.
Smart Forests 2023 was sponsored by Alcoa, Reservas Votorantim, Prysmian Group, and Toyota, whose support was essential to the project's success.
To learn more about Smart Forests
Facens Chemical Engineering alumnus Lucas Ribeiro Ayub de Campos secured 2nd place in the 2023 "Dare to Do More" challenge, held annually by Pepsico. The event serves as a showcase for creative minds wishing to share innovative solutions to global problems.
This edition featured over 34,000 participants from 17 countries, all aiming to positively impact the world with their ideas. Lucas's project, titled "Pep Washer and Storage," earned him a spot on the podium, representing Brazil in the Latin American final held in Mexico.
The B'Energy Racing Facens team stands out for innovation and leadership in the Formula SAE Electric scene. With the launch of their B23 Prototype—a result of the commitment and dedication of a highly qualified team—they further elevate their reputation and contribute to the future of mobility with a transformative and sustainable vision. This category is entirely focused on electric vehicles.
The impact of B'Energy Racing Facens extends beyond the racetrack, as the team's mission is to train competent, responsible professionals prepared for the job market. With 75% of its members already employed by major multinationals, the team serves as a talent incubator.
In 2023, the main features of the B23 prototype were:
Lighter chassis: With support from sponsor Flash in the manufacturing process.
New battery design: More reliable and efficient.
New hardware architecture: More robust.
With these advancements, B'Energy won the title of Brazilian champion in Formula SAE 2023, in the electric car category.
Comprising 23 members and with a history of runner-up positions, B'Energy not only triumphed in the competition—securing first places in multiple categories—but also established itself as a center for talent development in electric vehicles.
To learn more about these achievements.
