Near East University is making a name for itself with the outstanding success it has shown in the TEKNOFEST TRNC 2025 finals, of which it is an official academic partner. 5 different projects developed within the university have successfully represented the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in the finals to be held at the Old Ercan Airport between May 1-4. With this result, approximately one third of the finalists from Cyprus who have made it to the finals are Near East University students and faculty members.
Near East University provides strong support to TEKNOFEST, which is organized by the Turkish Technology Team Foundation (T3 Foundation) and brings together technology-enthusiastic young people, as the “Official Academic Stakeholder”. Near East University, which is the university that has submitted the most project applications to TEKNOFEST in the TRNC, is crowning the fruits of this success with 5 original projects that made it to the finals.
In the TEKNOFEST TRNC 6 finals, which will be held in 13 main and 2025 sub-categories in total, 20 different teams and 103 talented finalists from Cyprus will compete. In TEKNOFEST, which has attracted great interest from all over the world, a total of 268 teams and approximately 1100 finalists will compete fiercely. The fact that 20 of the 5 teams advancing to the final from Cyprus came from the Near East University campus clearly demonstrates the university's potential in the field of science and technology. While Near East University will be in the finals with 4 different projects, Near East College students will represent TRNC with 1 project. This impressive picture shows that approximately one third of the 103 finalists who will represent Cyprus in TEKNOFEST are from the Near East University family.
Sustainable Solutions in Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology are at the Forefront
The projects that will represent Near East University in the TEKNOFEST finals cover a wide range from innovative research on environmental problems to sustainable agricultural practices, from biotechnology to environmentally friendly solutions:
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Environmental Studies: The project titled “Microbiota and Geochemistry of Copper Mine Tailings in Northern Cyprus” aims to analyze the environmental effects of copper mine tailings in the Lefke region in detail and to discover new and effective bacterial species that can be used to clean these wastes naturally. The project aims to provide solutions that will bring hope not only to the TRNC but also to many countries struggling with similar environmental problems with the “Bioremediation Bacteria Bank” to be established within the Near East University Synthetic Biology Research and Technology Center.
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Agriculture: The “Smart Agriculture with Portable Heavy Metal Sensors” project focuses on the development of small-sized, portable sensors that can quickly and on-site detect heavy metal (especially lead) pollution in agricultural lands. Thanks to these sensors, which work on electrochemical principles, farmers and agricultural experts will be able to instantly evaluate soil and water quality, increasing both efficiency and food safety in agricultural production.
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Health and Agriculture: The “Sterile Vegetable” project offers a smart agricultural system specifically designed for the healthy and safe nutrition of individuals with weakened immune systems. Vegetables to be produced in a closed-circuit, soilless (hydroponic) environment will be sterilized using UV rays, ozone, active carbon filtration and plant extracts specific to Cyprus. In addition, harmful pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella will be detected instantly through biosensors. This innovative project, which aims to meet an important need in the areas of food safety and public health, was developed under the roof of the Near East University NERİTA Technology Transfer Office.
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Environment: The “EcOceanX” project aims to develop a biofouling-preventive, sustainable coating technology with natural components obtained from marine macroalgae and Posidonia oceanica (seagrass) leaves, endemic to Cyprus, instead of traditional coating paints that are widely used in the seas and can be harmful to the environment. This environmentally friendly project aims to protect the marine ecosystem and promises to offer an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to the maritime sector.
Social Innovation Project from Near East College in the Final: EcoWind
Near East College students are also participating in the success of Near East University in the TEKNOFEST finals with the “EcoWind” project developed by the “Agritech Innovators” team. This project, which will compete in the Social Innovation category, offers a smart agricultural system that produces its own energy with wind turbines and solar panels, stores rainwater and can automatically irrigate by monitoring the moisture level in the soil through sensors. This project, which aims to use water resources efficiently, especially in arid and hot climates, is of great importance in terms of sustainable agricultural practices.
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “The Success of Our Young Scientists is Proud”
Rector of Near East University Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, in his statement regarding the meaningful success of the students in the TEKNOFEST 2025 TRNC finals, said, “We are deeply proud that the projects developed within our university not only offer scientific innovations but also produce solutions that generate social benefits.” Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “These projects, which touch upon vital areas such as environment, health, agriculture and sustainability, clearly reveal the creative and innovative potential of our students and valuable academicians. I wholeheartedly congratulate all our young scientists who will successfully represent our country and university on a prestigious platform such as TEKNOFEST.”
Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ, who pointed out that TEKNOFEST is not only a technological competition platform but also an important festival where creative and solution-oriented projects produced by young people for environmental and social problems are exhibited, said, “Hosting this important festival as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will also produce extremely valuable results in terms of providing a unique platform where our young people can show themselves and expand their vision.”
