Students from Üsküdar University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (English) achieved significant success in the field of sustainability and innovative technology. The SustaGrow team, competing in 'METAHack Sustainathon 2025', was awarded first prize for their project.
Held on December 13-14 at Istanbul Medipol University's Kavacık North campus, the 24-hour uninterrupted idea marathon brought together young people from all corners of Turkey.
In the organization, attended by 22 teams and 78 students from 15 universities, projects with high environmental and social impact, in line with sustainable development goals, competed.
Sustainable Agriculture and Clean Energy Converged in the Same Project
The SustaGrow team, comprising Üsküdar University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics (English) senior students Özgenur Bülbül, Ekin Yaşar, and Destina Yüksel, came in first with their project titled 'Sustainable Biohydrogen Production from Microalgae Photobioreactors Integrated into Hydroponic Farming', earning the appreciation of the jury members.
The project aimed to produce biohydrogen, a clean, efficient, and environmentally friendly energy source, through microalgae integrated into hydroponic farming systems.
The study, which merges sustainable agriculture and renewable energy, aims to reduce environmental impact, increase resource efficiency, and directly contribute to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The project, notable for its interdisciplinary approach, strongly demonstrates the role of biotechnology in future energy and agricultural policies.
“We Wanted to Produce Biotechnological Solutions for Future Biological Problems”
Team members emphasized that the hackathon process was intense yet highly educational; stating that they aimed to develop a sustainable solution for the future by combining plant biology, microalgae, and bacterial studies. Working with great dedication for 24 hours, the team expressed their happiness that their project had both academic and industrial relevance. They also underlined their desire to produce biotechnological solutions for future biological problems.
They Became the Owners of the First Prize
In the METAHack Sustainathon 2025, organized under the main sponsorship of Akfen Renewable Energy Inc., the SustaGrow team, deemed worthy of first place, also became the recipient of the grand prize as the winner.
The organization, carried out with the contributions of Yapı Kredi Inc., Sustainabilios, Ülker, and Porty, offered students the opportunity to connect their innovative ideas with the industry and turn them into practical applications.