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July 23, 2026 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations — Nordik, a biotechnology startup founded by our PhD students at the Institute of Biotechnology, has been awarded TÜBİTAK 1507 funding for its artificial intelligence-powered biosensor project that will pioneer domestic diagnostic technologies in agriculture.
Domestic and Rapid Diagnostic Technology for Agriculture A project submitted under the TÜBİTAK TEYDEB 1507 Program by Nordik Kozmetik ve Bitkisel Ürünler San. Tic. Ltd. Şti., a member of BİKÜME and a startup founded by PhD students at Gebze Technical University (GTU) Institute of Biotechnology, Burcu Taluğ-Taştan and Ömer Faruk Taştan, has been selected for funding.
The project, titled "Development of a Portable, Scalable LAMP-Based Biosensor Platform for the On-Site Detection of Cmm and TYLCV Pathogens," aims to enable the rapid and reliable detection of pathogens that cause significant yield and quality losses in tomato production under both greenhouse and field conditions.
The AI-Assisted "GreenCheck" Platform The system, which will operate through smartphone-based, artificial intelligence-powered image analysis, is designed to deliver results within 30 to 60 minutes under field conditions. Through the GreenCheck platform to be developed as the project's main output, the initiative aims to reduce dependence on imported diagnostic kits, promote the widespread adoption of automated diagnostic technologies, and contribute to a more sustainable agricultural future with reduced pesticide use.
A Team Strengthened Through University–Industry Collaboration The product development project, which will be carried out through an interdisciplinary approach, will be supported by an advisory team consisting of GTU faculty members Prof. Elif Damla Arısan (Institute of Biotechnology), Assoc. Prof. Nihan Aydemir (Institute of Nanotechnology), Asst. Prof. Ümit Barış Kutman (Institute of Biotechnology), and Murat Çiçekli, PhD. The project will also receive contributions from its industry partners, Yüksel Tohum, Gazişehir Enerji, and Mavruz Modern Tarım.
Our university congratulates our PhD students Burcu Taluğ-Taştan and Ömer Faruk Taştan, the faculty members providing academic guidance for the project, and the industry partners contributing to the process, and wishes them continued success. |
