Phoenicia University Celebrating Innovation at the 2025 Technology and Science Fair
On the 13th of May 2025, Phoenicia University (PU) hosted the 2025 Technology and Science Fair on campus, open to school students from the local community. The event, which featured projects from several schools, concluded with first place awarded to students from Mohamad Saad School — Ali Jouni, Ali Khalil, and Maryam Khalil — for their project, Phoenix Lace, earned first place.
Their assistive device, designed for individuals with finger amputations and vision loss, addresses a real social need by supporting independence for people with disabilities. The device incorporates multiple sensors (touch, motion, audio, wireless communication, and LED indicators) and offers functions such as facial recognition, keyboard input, Qibla direction detection, and currency identification, among others.
In recognition of the project's social value and its potential to grow into a sustainable business, the winning team was awarded a 70% scholarship to Phoenicia University and received, free of charge, a comprehensive start-up support package through the PU Incubator. The package includes incubator membership, access to university facilities, hands-on training workshops, and mentorship on business development.
This support helps the team turn their ideas into a financially viable and socially sustainable business that serves people with disabilities in the local community.
The judging panel comprised Dr. Zahi Abdul Sater, Dean of the College of Public Health; Dr. Mariam Itani, Coordinator of the Mechanical Engineering Program; Dr. Rima Chaar, faculty member of the College of Business; Dr. Khalil Yassine, faculty member in the College of Business; and the Director of the Center for Research and Advancement. The panel selected the top projects.
Through initiatives like the Technology and Science Fair, the PU Incubator provides the local community with free education, mentorship, and access to university resources, helping promising ideas grow into financially and socially sustainable, community-rooted businesses.