Applications Open for the Student Research and Innovation Project Competition Organized by Istanbul Gelisim University

Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU), through its Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit (BAP-K), has launched the Student Research and Innovation Project Competition. Designed to merge students’ academic knowledge with innovative ideas and to foster a research culture early on, the competition offers IGU students the opportunity to develop original projects and bring their ideas to life. Students may apply individually or as a team, making this a significant step toward embracing scientific research and innovation.

Primary Goal: Bringing Innovative Ideas to Life

With the Student Research and Innovation Project Competition, IGU aims to encourage associate and undergraduate students to participate in research, development, and innovation processes at an early stage. The competition allows students not only to generate ideas but also to transform these ideas into concrete projects, develop prototypes, and produce outcomes through scientific methods. Guided by academic advisors, participants will have access to the university’s laboratories and R&D infrastructure.
Additionally, the competition provides students with opportunities to apply for national and international project calls, engage in funding programs, and step into the entrepreneurship ecosystem—strengthening their preparation for future academic and professional pathways.

Thematic Areas: A Multidisciplinary Approach

The competition spans a wide range of thematic fields based on IGU’s strategic research priorities. These themes offer students opportunities to develop innovative projects across various disciplines:

Aviation and Space Technologies
Artificial Intelligence, Hardware, Autonomous Systems and Robotics
Digital Technologies, Chip Technologies, Informatics, and Communication
Energy and Sustainability Technologies
Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Health Technologies
Education, Society, and Human-Centered Technologies
Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Technologies
Architecture, Design, Creativity, and Visual Innovation

Aligned with IGU’s ecological, economic, technological, social, and cultural sustainability principles, these areas enable students to work collaboratively across disciplines, gaining practical experience while generating innovative and applicable outputs.

Academic Advisor Support: Ensuring Project Quality

Each project must have an academic advisor. This requirement ensures that projects are developed in accordance with scientific methods and ethical standards, reinforcing cooperation between students and academics. Advisor guidance not only enhances project quality but also helps students develop research skills and strengthens a shared research culture. This collaborative process enables students to become more academically equipped while allowing academics to contribute to the development of innovative ideas.

Support and Opportunities for Successful Projects

Projects that succeed in the competition will be awarded certificates and prizes. Additionally, IGU’s relevant research centers will monitor these projects closely. They may be directed toward intellectual property applications such as patents, utility models, or copyrights. Successful projects will also be supported in applying for national and international funding programs, preparing for commercialization processes, and transforming results into academic publications.
These steps, aligned with IGU’s research-oriented vision, help ensure that student projects generate social and economic value—strengthening both academic impact and the university’s role within the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

IGU Strengthens Its Vision of Becoming a Research University

Through the Student Research and Innovation Project Competition, IGU aims to enhance the scientific, technological, and entrepreneurial development of student projects. This initiative reinforces the university’s vision of becoming a research-oriented institution while empowering students to propose innovative solutions to societal challenges. By cultivating a culture of research and innovation among young entrepreneurs, IGU aims to contribute to scientific advancement and economic development.