YTU Innovation Hub Hosts Press Launch Event

YTU Innovation Hub, part of the Yıldız Technical University and YTU Yıldız Technopark, recently hosted a press launch, showcasing Turkey's forefront innovations in the mobility area. From autonomous vehicles to locally-manufactured automobiles, delivery fleets to AI-driven agricultural machinery, and even the electrified iteration of the iconic Devrim Car, a diverse range of pioneering products took center stage, each bearing the hallmark of globally-renowned entrepreneurial enterprises. Entrepreneurs received widespread acclaim for spotlighting the current landscape and future vision of Turkish technology.



The projects developed and produced at the YTU Innovation Hub, where academic and technical teams come together to create a strong synergy and transform high-tech products into commercial outputs for entrepreneurs, were introduced at a press meeting. Entrepreneurs at the YTU Innovation Hub, which offers essential infrastructure for those seeking to develop hardware-focused products and materialize their business concepts, had the opportunity to individually present their domestically crafted and competitive technology products to attending members of the press. The launch not only highlights Turkey's potential in entrepreneurship and innovation but also aims to shed light on the country's technological development, showcasing projects ranging from underwater vehicles to systems contributing to military technologies, from autonomous vehicles to Turkey's second domestic automobile, and farmer-friendly unmanned vehicles aimed at increasing agricultural productivity.




Planting the First Seeds of New Investments

Orhan Tanışman, General Manager of YTU Yıldız Technopark, stated that they have created an environment where they bring together those who want to conduct hardware R&D, develop their ventures, and find investors. "Actually, this place has been here for years. It has been helping many entrepreneurs. But now, we have gathered all projects under one roof. Ultimately, if there's an idea, it needs to be turned into a project. To transform this project, serious software and infrastructure for modeling are needed, and that's all done here. After a certain model and project emerges, its components need to be produced. The production of components is also done here. "As you can see, you can produce its prototype and the parts to be made, ranging from metal machining to circuit board assembly," he said. Mr. Tanışman also mentioned that there are 9 workspaces for projects. "We give a certain period for projects in the workspace. During that time, the entrepreneur can bring the prototype to life in the workspace, meaning they can make it three-dimensional. Then, of course, the commercialization process begins. One of the things related to commercialization is being able to explain it to investors. So, you've put the product out there, demonstrated that it works. Now, you knock on the investor's door. Here, we distinguish ourselves from other technoparks. With our venture capital investment partnership, we have invested in 14 ventures so far. By investing in 14 ventures to date, we have provided financing to 3 ventures located here. This also enables other investors to invest in these addresses with confidence," he explained.

Meeting the Needs of the Entire Ecosystem from Start to Finish

Mr. Tanışman, emphasizing that the real breakthrough comes after finding the financing for the product, stated, "So, just as we produce products tailored to Turkey's needs, we also strive to produce products that can be sold globally. YTU Yıldız Technopark facilitates their introduction to investors and markets by taking these products to locations such as London, Dubai, Tashkent, Chicago, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Riyadh. As you can see, we have established the Innovation Hub as a gathering center that meets the needs of the entire ecosystem from start to finish."



Reviving the Iconic Devrim Automobile with Cutting-Edge Technology

Among the spotlighted projects was the contemporary adaptation of the electric and autonomous "Devrim Automobile." Furkan Değirmenci, CEO of Hayal Automotive Technology, shared insights into the production process of the Devrim Automobile, which they operate within one of YTU Innovation Hub's project garages. Değirmenci emphasized, "The vehicle showcased here is essentially an electric replica of the iconic Devrim Automobile. Our endeavor underscores Turkey's commitment to remaining at the forefront of high technology, a journey we embark on alongside this dynamic team. Following our lead, recent graduates and aspiring engineers refine both hardware and software aspects of this vehicle. It serves as a pioneering platform for us. Previously, we conducted autonomous driving tests on a gasoline-powered vehicle. With this project, our focus extends to incorporating both voice assistant support and urban-centric driving dynamics, prioritizing passenger comfort."

Accelerating Scientific Research with Remote-Controlled Underwater Drones

Enes Gazi Korkmaz, co-founder of Lenta Marine, a company specializing in underwater technology and project development, introduced a special unmanned remote-controlled underwater drone capable of descending up to 500 meters during the launch event. Regarding the drone, which can be used in various fields such as search and rescue operations and scientific research, Korkmaz stated, "Underwater vehicles can be used in many activities such as underwater observation, search and rescue, sample collection, and scientific research. They are particularly useful in scientific research. These vehicles are actively used worldwide in both scientific and oil and gas exploration. In the future, they will reach even greater depths. Considering the average depth of our country's seas is around 3-4 thousand meters, our goal is to produce vehicles capable of descending to these depths. Afterwards, we aim to expand internationally and make sales. So far, we have sold 7 units and participated in numerous rental and service operations."


 

Ensuring No Cotton Goes to Waste with $120 Million AFARA Cotton Picker Robot

Another pioneering project, which is a first of its kind globally, is set to bring smiles to farmers' faces in terms of efficiency and sustainability in agriculture, particularly in cotton harvesting. Ömer Muratlı, CEO of AFARA Cotton Picker Robot, emphasizing that even the minimum 5% of cotton left on the ground after cotton harvesting is taken into account and that the cotton collection vehicle actually saves millions of dollars, stated "Our machine is a robot that collects a minimum of 5% of the cotton dropped on the ground after harvesting, utilizing image processing technology, embedded mechanical systems, and artificial intelligence algorithms. It's a patented robot with no equivalent worldwide. Additionally, it enhances sustainability by using critical field data to increase yield and reduce carbon and water footprint, thereby increasing cotton supply. Academic studies worldwide confirm that up to 5% of cotton may remain in the field after harvesting. In Turkey alone, this amounts to $120 million, and globally, it reaches $3.5 billion worth of cotton left on the ground. Only 20-30% of this can be collected with manual labor. Our field tests aim to achieve a collection rate of 95% to 100%.” he stated.

Engineering Students Have Been Producing Vehicles for Years at YTU Yıldız Technopark

Efe Kırlar, a 3rd-year Mechanical Engineering student at Yıldız Technical University and also the Team Leader of YTU Racing, stated that they have been producing vehicles since 2011 and have achieved numerous successes within the Technopark. Introducing their 9th internal combustion engine vehicle to visitors at the launch event, Kırlar mentioned that they produce up to 2 vehicles every year. He concluded his remarks with these words, "We have been producing vehicles since 2011. So far, we have produced 9 internal combustion engine vehicles and 2 electric vehicles. Currently, we are continuing the production of our 3rd electric vehicle. For the past three years, we have been producing and participating in races with 2 vehicles. We are confident, and we have had successes so far. The special feature of this 9th vehicle is that we launched it on October 29th, commemorating the 99th anniversary of the Republic. Therefore, it holds a different significance for us. Additionally, when viewed from above, it resembles the Turkish flag.”