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October 25, 2024-GTU Office of Press and Public Relations
On October 24, 2024, Gebze Technical University (GTU) hosts an event as part of the 2nd Türkiye-Africa Agriculture and Food Summit, focusing on innovative projects, research and development (R&D) activities, and collaboration opportunities. A delegation from West African countries meet with GTU Rector Prof. Hacı Ali Mantar to explore innovative agricultural technologies developed at the university. The attendees also visit GTU’s Biotechnology Institute R&D Greenhouse and Seed Certification Center, receiving detailed information from officials. During summit sessions, agricultural officials from Senegal, Benin, Niger, Cameroon, and Guinea, along with industry professionals and diplomats, discussed sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, and entrepreneurship in agriculture with GTU academics.
Creating Sustainable Systems
The event at GTU Congress and Cultural Center’s Blue Hall began with a moment of silence and the national anthem in memory of all martyrs, including those lost in the recent terrorist attack at the Turkish Aerospace Industries campus in Ankara. GTU Vice-Rector Prof. Elif Damla Arısan highlighted the university’s leadership in scientific projects and its societal impact, emphasizing, “We continue our efforts to create sustainable systems for society. Our projects in agriculture and biotechnology aim to address local and global challenges.” She also encouraged collaboration through research, student exchange programs, and joint projects.
Pioneering Project
Prof. Işıl Aksan-Kurnaz from GTU's Institute of Biotechnology described their innovative solutions in agriculture and biotechnology, emphasizing close collaboration with the industry for R&D projects. She mentioned groundbreaking work in medical biotechnology, particularly cancer drug development, and underscored the institute’s openness to international collaboration in education and research.
Invitation from Morocco
Morocco’s Consul General in Istanbul, Mehdi Errami, invited attendees to the International Agriculture and Food Summit in Morocco, scheduled for spring 2025. Zeki Güvercin, Chair of the Diplomatic Relations Committee of MÜSİAD, provided an overview of the summit. Abdülkadir Anık, Chair of MÜSİAD Gebze Branch, praised the meaningful interaction between GTU academics and the visiting delegation.
“GTU’s R&D Efforts Are Invaluable”
Ferhat Han, Çayırova Seed Certification Test Manager, expressed satisfaction with GTU’s leadership in food and agriculture projects. Highlighting Türkiye’s critical role in agricultural production, he said, “GTU’s projects on soilless and vertical farming will play a crucial role in reducing the pressure on arable lands in the future.”
Knowledge Sharing by Academics
Participants were informed about the latest developments in agricultural technology. Assoc. Prof. Müge İşleten-Hoşoğlu from the Industrial Biotechnology Department of the Institute of Biotechnology presented the potential and applications of industrial biotechnology. Asst. Prof. Barış Kutman from the Plant Biotechnology Department detailed current projects and their contributions to the agricultural sector. Assoc. Prof. Nurgül Kıtır-Şen from the Smart Agriculture Application and Research Center discussed advancements in smart agricultural technologies and their impact on productivity.
Opportunities with Entrepreneurial Start-Ups
In the summit’s exhibition area, start-ups showcased innovative solutions in agriculture and food. Among the stands that drew attention were Agriverts, Vahaa, Muwoco, Plant Factory Istinye Park, BEE2tech, Binafert Biotechnology, Pyrosoft, Mavruz Agriculture, NG Biotech, Microhobist, Orbiba, Green Transformation Project, GTU IRO stand, and the LOFT Project.
This event at GTU opened new paths for innovative projects and collaboration in agriculture and food industries.
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