Istanbul Gelisim University Makes Its Mark at TEKNOFEST 2025!

Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) participated in TEKNOFEST 2025, the world’s largest and Turkey’s first and only aviation, space, and technology festival, with its innovative projects in science and technology. Held between September 17–21 at Ataturk Airport, the festival brought together students, academics, and technology enthusiasts. With over 1 million visitors, the projects aimed at contributing to the national technology initiative attracted significant attention.

First Place in TEKNOFEST Aviation Ideathon

The AirNova team, composed of students from IGU’s Aircraft Engineering Department, won first place among more than 150 teams in the TEKNOFEST Aviation Ideathon category, receiving their award from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

IGU Wins 6 Medals at ISIF’25

Within the scope of TEKNOFEST, Istanbul Gelisim University also achieved significant success at the International Invention Fair ISIF’25, organized by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. The inventions represented by IGU TTO won 1 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze medals. The awards were presented by Prof. M. Zeki DURAK, Director of TÜRKPATENT.

Award-Winning Projects

Gold Award
• Asst. Prof. Serkan Gönen, Banu Altay Altın — A system ensuring the security and privacy of biometric data in autonomous vehicles
Silver Awards
• Lecturer Çisem Yaşar — A sensor mechanism to detect the location for epidural anesthesia
• Lecturer Aysun Yılmaz Kızılboğa, Abdullah Mert Leblebici, Cem Arslanpençesi — Security incident data management platform
Bronze Awards
• Assoc. Prof. Sertaç Aksakallı — A functional coating system containing biologically active agents applicable to orthodontic plates and surgical splints with modified surfaces
• Dr. Sena Taş, Prof. Fırat Kaçar — A 3-bit LC lattice digital phase shifter circuit operating at 4.5–5.5 GHz
• Dr. Kübra Sağlam, Prof. Ömer Şimşek, Assoc. Prof. Fatma Coşkun — A functional sourdough with antifungal activity and its production method

Jet Drone Project Introduced for the First Time

Throughout the festival, in addition to technology, aviation, and flight shows, award ceremonies and events were held. Visitors to Istanbul Gelisim University’s booth had the opportunity to learn about the university’s R&D-oriented projects, with students’ innovative ideas attracting attention. Among these was the Jet Drone Project, introduced for the first time. Having won first place at the TUSAŞ Hangar Campus 2023 competition, the project was produced in collaboration between IGU’s Aircraft Engineering Department and the Technology Transfer Office (TTO).

Message of Academic Collaboration

During the festival, Düzce University Rector Prof. Nedim Sözbir visited the IGU booth and met with Istanbul Gelisim University Rector Prof. Bahri Şahin. Prof. Sözbir examined in detail the projects developed by students under the leadership of the TTO. Among the innovative projects exhibited at the IGU booth were developments in fields ranging from agricultural technologies to unmanned aerial vehicles.

Emphasis on Research and Innovation

The IGU Rectorate emphasized that these achievements reflect the university’s culture of research and development and its focus on innovation. Stating that projects supporting students’ productivity will continue to increase, the university underlined its commitment to making its name even stronger in the fields of science, technology, and innovation both in Türkiye and internationally.