First TELTIC 2026 Meeting
“Discover your future in communications and technology”
The First TELTIC 2026 Meeting, held on January 15–16, 2026, at Escuela Politécnica Nacional (EPN), was an academic and technological outreach event designed to provide vocational guidance in STEM fields, with a strong focus on telecommunications, electronics, RF technologies, photonics, and emerging communication systems. The event was co-organized by the IEEE AP-S / MTT-S / RFID Joint Student Branch Chapter at EPN, with the support of IEEE ComSoc EPN and IEEE Photonics EPN. The initiative was led and coordinated by Eliana Estefany Taipe Andrade and Jannys Sherley Garrido Pazmiño, volunteers of the chapter, whose leadership played a central role in the planning and execution of the event.
TELTIC 2026 aimed to bridge the gap between high school education and engineering careers by offering students a realistic, engaging, and inspiring view of the technological world. The event was conceived as a space where pre-university students could discover what engineering truly involves beyond textbooks. Through keynote lectures, technical talks, alumni experiences, and hands-on activities, participants gained insight into the real roles engineers play in modern society. The program emphasized not only technical knowledge but also motivation, professional projection, and awareness of future career paths in technology. A distinctive aspect of the event was that it was led by IEEE women volunteers, highlighting female leadership in engineering and promoting diversity and inclusion within STEM.
Throughout the two-day program, students were exposed to current and cutting-edge topics such as Digital Twin Networks, PON access networks, 5G systems, UAV technologies, and modern mobile network concepts. These subjects were presented in a way that connected theory with real-world applications, allowing attendees to understand how telecommunications and electronic systems impact daily life. The presence of alumni sharing real success stories further reinforced the practical value of engineering education and demonstrated attainable professional trajectories.
A central component of TELTIC 2026 was the Open House prototype exhibition, where high school students interacted directly with technological projects developed by university students. This hands-on exposure transformed abstract engineering concepts into tangible experiences and allowed participants to visualize themselves as future engineers. In addition, the TELTIC Hackathon introduced logic and engineering challenges that encouraged teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, reinforcing analytical thinking skills in an interactive and motivating environment.
The event also included networking sessions that facilitated communication between students, IEEE volunteers, speakers, and university representatives. These spaces helped build confidence, answer academic and career questions, and strengthen the connection between the IEEE community and future university students. The program concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing participation and performance, reinforcing student engagement and celebrating learning achievements.
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- Co-sponsored by Facultad de Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica EPN
Speakers
Ana Zambrano
What does an IT Engineer do?
This topic explores the role of an Information Technology (IT) Engineer in modern digital environments. IT engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and managing computer networks, information systems, servers, databases, and cloud platforms. Their work ensures secure, efficient, and reliable technological infrastructures that support organizations and society. They also focus on cybersecurity, data management, and the integration of software solutions to improve services. In fields such as smart cities, digital accessibility, and intelligent systems, IT engineers play a key role in transforming data and technology into practical solutions that improve quality of life.
Biography:
Engineer in Electronics and Information Networks from EPN. Master in Technologies, Systems, and Communication Networks from the Polytechnic University of Valencia. PhD in Telecommunications. Professor at EPN with research in applications for people with disabilities and Smart Cities. She has been Coordinator of the Information Technologies Program since 2022.
Hernan Barba
What Does a Telecommunications Engineer Do?
This session focuses on the work of Telecommunications Engineers, professionals who design and maintain the systems that enable global communication. Their expertise includes wireless and wired communication systems, mobile networks such as 4G and 5G, optical fiber transmission, signal processing, and radiofrequency technologies. They are responsible for ensuring that data, voice, and multimedia services travel efficiently across networks. Telecommunications engineers build and optimize the infrastructure that supports the internet, mobile services, satellite communications, and future connectivity technologies.
Biography:
Hernán Barba Molina, Electronics and Telecommunications Engineer from Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Quito, Ecuador (2006); Master of Science in Information Technology (M.Sc.) from Hochschule Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany (2011); and Doctor of Engineering (Dr.-Ing.) from the University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany (2017). Since 2018, he has been a full-time professor in the Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Department of Telecommunications and Information Networks, at Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Quito, Ecuador.
Tamia Zambrano
IEEE Student Branch – EPN
This topic presents the impact of student participation in IEEE and how it contributes to academic and professional development. Through involvement in technical chapters and affinity groups, students gain leadership experience, organize events, participate in research initiatives, and build international professional networks. IEEE provides opportunities such as workshops, competitions, scholarships, and travel grants that enhance technical knowledge and global exposure. The Student Branch serves as a platform where students strengthen both technical skills and soft skills while engaging with the global engineering community.
Biography:
Tamia Samyra Zambrano Andrade is a ninth-semester Electronics and Automation student at Escuela Politécnica Nacional and an active IEEE leader. She is currently Chair of the IEEE EPN Student Branch and founder of the first IEEE VTS–ITSS–TEC chapter in Latin America, where she also serves as Chair. In addition, she is Vice Chair of the PES EPN chapter, representative of the Andean Council in PES Students and Young Professionals R9, and secretary of the SIGHT affinity group.
David Mejía
Guide to Pre-Professional Internships
This session explains the importance of internships as a bridge between academic training and professional practice. Students learn how to prepare their professional profiles, develop technical and interpersonal skills, and understand workplace responsibilities and ethics. Internships provide practical experience that complements theoretical knowledge and allow students to apply their learning in real environments. This topic helps students understand how to make the most of their internship experience and how it contributes to career development and employability.
Biography:
David Mejía is an associate professor at Escuela Politécnica Nacional, with more than 14 years of experience in higher education teaching. He served as Academic Director between 2018 and 2023. He is an Engineer in Electronics and Information Networks from EPN and holds a Master’s degree in Multimedia and Communications from Universidad Carlos III of Madrid. His profile focuses on networks, Linux, Windows Server, and software development, with contributions in cloud computing and open-source software.
Christian Tipantuña
Digital Twin Networks
This topic introduces the concept of digital twins applied to communication networks. A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical system that allows simulation, monitoring, and performance prediction. In network engineering, digital twins are used to model real communication infrastructures, analyze behavior, and optimize performance using data analytics and artificial intelligence. These technologies are particularly relevant for smart cities, 5G and 6G systems, and IoT environments, enabling more efficient planning, maintenance, and decision-making.
Biography:
He earned his degree in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Ecuador, in 2011; a Master’s degree in Wireless Systems and Related Technologies from Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy, in 2013; and a PhD in Telematics Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain, in 2022. He is a member of the Wireless Networks Research Group at Escuela Politécnica Nacional. His research interests include UAV-enabled communications, digital twins, wireless networks, optical networks, and machine learning applied to communication systems and networks.
Berenice Arguero
GPON Access Networks
This session focuses on Gigabit Passive Optical Networks (GPON), a key technology for fiber-to-the-home and high-speed broadband services. GPON networks use optical fiber to deliver high-capacity, reliable internet connections to homes and businesses. The topic covers the architecture of access networks, including components such as OLTs, ONTs, and optical splitters, as well as the advantages of fiber over traditional copper networks. GPON plays a central role in modern telecommunications by supporting digital services, smart applications, and next-generation connectivity demands.
Biography:
Johanna Berenice Arguero Tello is an Electronics Engineer with a specialization in Telecommunications and holds a Master’s degree in Network Interconnectivity. She is currently a professor and researcher at Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, where she is a member of the Electronics and Telematics Research Group (GIETEC). She is a PhD candidate in Computer Science, and her work focuses on telecommunications, networks, emerging technologies, and machine learning applications. She has experience in university teaching, laboratory management, and scientific research, with publications in indexed journals and conferences. In 2024, she received an institutional recognition for her scientific output and actively serves as a reviewer for scientific journals.
Victor Narvaez
5G SWAP in Mobile Networks
This topic addresses infrastructure optimization in modern mobile networks, focusing on the concept of SWAP (Size, Weight, and Power) in 5G equipment. Efficient network design requires reducing physical and energy constraints while maintaining high performance. The session discusses transport technologies such as SDH and DWDM, fiber backbone networks, and the challenges associated with deploying scalable and efficient 5G infrastructure. It highlights how engineering decisions impact performance, energy efficiency, and the future evolution of mobile communication systems.
Biography:
Electronics and Control Engineer (EPN) and Master’s degree holder in Mechatronics and Robotics. He has experience at EP Petroecuador and, since 2014, has worked at CNT EP in the Optical Fiber Networks area, specializing in SDH and DWDM transport networks, with training at Huawei University (China). He completed postgraduate studies at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) and an ERASMUS MUNDUS exchange at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), focusing on technologies for 5G networks. He is currently Head of O&M for Optical Fiber Networks at CNT EP, participating in infrastructure optimization and deployment projects for 5G.
Jorge Carvajal
UAVs in Communications
This session explores the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or drones, in communication systems. UAVs can function as mobile base stations, relays, or sensing platforms, especially in emergency situations or areas with limited infrastructure. The topic includes their integration with wireless networks, IoT systems, and software-defined radio technologies. Research in UAV-enabled communications is shaping the future of flexible, dynamic, and rapidly deployable wireless networks.
Biography:
He earned his degree in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Ecuador, in 2010, and a Master’s degree in Information Technologies from Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim, Germany, in 2013. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Telecommunications at Escuela Politécnica Nacional. He is a member of the Wireless Networks Research Group at Escuela Politécnica Nacional. His research interests include UAV-enabled communications, wireless networks, and software-defined radio.
Agenda
| Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Jan 15 | 09:00 – 09:30 | Registration and Welcome |
| 09:30 – 09:50 | Opening Ceremony | |
| 09:50 – 10:15 | Keynote: What does an IT Engineer do? | |
| 10:15 – 10:40 | Keynote: What does a Telecommunications Engineer do? | |
| 10:40 – 12:00 | Real Success Cases – Alumni Panel | |
| 12:00 – 12:15 | IEEE Branch Conference | |
| 12:15 – 13:00 | Networking and Interactive Dynamics | |
| 12:15 – 13:15 | Prototype Presentation – Open House | |
| Friday, Jan 16 | 09:00 – 09:10 | Registration and Welcome |
| 09:10 – 09:30 | Guide to Pre-Professional Internships | |
| 09:30 – 09:55 | Technical Talk: Digital Twin Networks | |
| 09:55 – 10:20 | Technical Talk: PON Access Networks | |
| 10:20 – 10:45 | Technical Talk: SWAP in 5G Mobile Networks | |
| 10:45 – 11:10 | Technical Talk: UAVs | |
| 11:10 – 11:35 | Networking Session | |
| 11:35 – 13:00 | TELTIC Hackathon – Logic & Engineering Challenges | |
| 13:00 – 13:30 | Awards Ceremony and Closing |
Co-Organizers: IEEE AP-S / MTT-S / RFID Joint Student Branch Chapter – EPN IEEE Escuela Politécnica Nacional Student Branch
With the support of: IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc) EPN IEEE Photonics EPN