The USJ Entrepreneurship and Competencies Center – EC² organized its annual Resource Group Competition, an initiative that celebrates innovation and entrepreneurship among students at Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ).

This year’s edition was held under the theme “Technology Ideas to Improve the Lives of Lebanese Citizens,” reflecting EC²’s mission to foster purpose-driven innovation that tackles real challenges faced by communities in Lebanon.

From Classroom Learning to Real-World Impact

9 student teams from the Design Thinking & Innovation course were pre-selected out of 50 teams to pitch their projects before a panel of jury members composed of professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovation experts.

Throughout the semester, the students participated in two Idea Days, immersive sessions organized in collaboration with Berytech, EC², and Resource Group.
These sessions gave students the opportunity to apply design thinking methodologies, refine their problem statements, and develop innovative technological solutions with the guidance of mentors and experts from the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Their projects addressed pressing issues across healthcare, sustainability, urban mobility, and lifestyle, all designed to make life in Lebanon more efficient, safer, and connected.

Competition Highlights

The final competition brought together nine multidisciplinary teams, each delivering a three-minute pitch followed by a Q&A session with the jury.
Students showcased exceptional creativity, analytical thinking, and teamwork, demonstrating how human-centered innovation can turn classroom learning into actionable impact.

After careful evaluation, the jury announced the following winners:

🥇 1st Place – SafeDose
A smart solution designed to reduce medication errors and improve patient safety.

🥈 2nd Place – MetaLab Solutions
An advanced diagnostics and research tool enhancing laboratory accuracy and efficiency.

🥉 3rd Place – ParkEase
A technology-driven platform simplifying parking management in congested urban areas.

🏅 4th Place – NutriScan
An innovative solution helping users make informed dietary choices through AI-powered scanning, winner of an incubation opportunity at Berytech.

The top three teams received cash prizes and an incubation opportunity at Berytech, empowering them to further develop their solutions.

The Jury

This year’s jury brought together experts from diverse fields of innovation, entrepreneurship, and academia:

• Chantal El Khoury – Well-being & Organizational Success Consultant, Advocacy & Communication Expert, and President of the Lebanese Down Syndrome Association

• Iyad Mouawad – Program Manager, Innovation Hub at Berytech

• Léa Assaf – Financial Planning and Analysis Manager, Resource Group

• Georges Salloum – AI Strategist, Startup Architect & Educator

• Dr. Chantale Hajjar – Director of the CCE Department, ESIB (USJ)

Their insightful feedback and evaluation criteria, focusing on desirability, feasibility, and viability, guided students to strengthen the sustainability and market potential of their ideas.

EC² extends its gratitude to Resource Group for its ongoing partnership and commitment to supporting youth innovation, and to Berytech for its continuous mentorship and incubation opportunities.

Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

Through initiatives like the Resource Group Competition, the USJ Entrepreneurship and Competencies Center (EC²) continues to bridge the gap between education and innovation, empowering students to transform ideas into real-world solutions.

By combining design thinking, innovation, and technology, EC² reaffirms its mission to cultivate a new generation of Lebanese changemakers dedicated to building a better, more sustainable future.