Students from the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (English) at Üsküdar University Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences achieved a major success in the fields of sustainability and innovative technology. Competing at METAHack Sustainathon 2025, the SustaGrow team was awarded first place for their innovative project.
The 24-hour idea marathon, held on December 13–14 at the Kavacık North Campus of Istanbul Medipol University, brought together young participants from across Türkiye.
A total of 22 teams and 78 students from 15 universities competed with projects designed to create high environmental and social impact in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Sustainable agriculture and clean energy combined in a single project
The SustaGrow team, consisting of senior students Özgenur Bülbül, Ekin Yaşar, and Destina Yüksel from the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (English), won first place with their project titled “Sustainable Biohydrogen Production from Microalgae Photobioreactors Integrated into Soilless Agriculture.”
The project aims to produce biohydrogen, a clean, efficient, and environmentally friendly energy source, through microalgae integrated into soilless farming systems. By bringing together sustainable agriculture and renewable energy, the project seeks to reduce environmental impact, increase resource efficiency, and directly contribute to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. With its interdisciplinary approach, the study highlights the strong role biotechnology will play in the future of energy and agricultural policies.
“We wanted to produce biotechnological solutions for the biological problems of the future”
The team members emphasized that the hackathon process was intense yet highly educational. By combining plant biology with microalgae and bacterial studies, they aimed to develop a forward-looking and sustainable solution. Working with great dedication for 24 hours, the team expressed their satisfaction that their project has both academic and sectoral relevance. They also underlined their motivation to develop biotechnological solutions for future biological challenges.
Winners of the first prize
At METAHack Sustainathon 2025, organized with the main sponsorship of Akfen Renewable Energy Inc., the SustaGrow team claimed first place and received the grand prize.
The event, held with contributions from Yapı Kredi, Sustainabilios, Ülker, and Porty, provided students with the opportunity to connect their innovative ideas with industry and transform them into practical applications.