Sustainable ideas competed at the 24-hour METAHack Sustainathon 2025

METAHack Sustainathon 2025, organized through the collaboration of Istanbul Medipol University’s Sustainable Development and Twin Transition Research and Application Center (SURKAM) and the Technology Transfer Office (TTO), was completed following an intensive 24-hour ideation marathon. The event brought together 22 teams and 78 students from 15 universities across Türkiye, where innovative, sustainability-focused projects competed.

 

 

 

 

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Hosted by Istanbul Medipol University, the organization was structured around the principal thematic axes of sustainability, circular economy, green transformation, and innovation. Participants selected from problem areas identified by the main sponsor, Akfen Renewable Energy, and developed their projects over a continuous 24-hour period without leaving the venue before presenting them to the jury.

Working under the guidance of mentors, the teams conducted research, prepared their presentations, and refined their ideas. The event drew particular attention for the solutions developed in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

AWARDS PRESENTED TO THEIR RECIPIENTS
As a result of the jury’s evaluation, the project entitled “SUSTAGROW – Sustainable Biohydrogen Production from a Microalgae Photobioreactor Integrated into Soilless Agriculture” was deemed worthy of first place and received the 50,000 TL award. The E0MISSION – Solar Loop project ranked second with a prize of 30,000 TL, while the KYU – Akfen Green Route project secured third place with an award of 20,000 TL.

PROF. KUŞÇU: HOPE IS HIGH, CONCERN IS UNFOUNDED
In her evaluation following the event, Medipol SURKAM Director Prof. Rana Atabay Kuşçu stated that METAHack Sustainathon 2025 was realized not only through the collaboration between the TTO and SURKAM but also with the contributions of numerous sponsors and supporting stakeholders, adding: “What truly makes us proud are the ideas put forward by young minds. Hope is high, concern is unfounded. Everything that begins with believing in young people establishes a strong foundation for today and tomorrow.”

BROAD STAKEHOLDER SUPPORT
The organization, held under the main sponsorship of Akfen Renewable Energy, was supported by Yapı Kredi Bank as the gold sponsor and NTV as the media sponsor. The event’s carbon footprint was measured by the climate sponsor Sustainabilios. Ülker,H2DER,DİSÜDER,YEYKAD, MamaBus, and Hommemade were also among the supporting organizations.

METAHack Sustainathon 2025 aimed to strengthen university–industry collaboration, encourage young entrepreneurs to generate sustainable solutions, and contribute to the implementation of innovative ideas.