TEKNOFEST University Student Research Project Competitions

TEKNOFEST University Student Research Project Competition is a platform designed to encourage university students to contribute to science-based knowledge and technology development. As one of Türkiye’s most comprehensive technology and science competitions, it is open to undergraduate and associate degree students studying in universities in Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The competition aims to provide young people with opportunities to conduct research, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to the National Technology Initiative.

The primary purpose of the competition is to encourage students to engage in research through projects and to contribute to Türkiye’s National Technology Initiative. Additionally, the competition seeks to support the development of qualified human resources. Participants contribute to technology development across a wide range of fields—from defense industry to space and aviation—by conducting scientific research and developing innovative projects.

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Eligible participants are undergraduate and associate degree students enrolled in universities in Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Participants may apply individually or as teams of up to three members. Mentor support is optional; it is not mandatory to have a mentor on a project. However, projects must be completed, and a maximum of one mentor may be listed per application.

The TEKNOFEST University Student Research Project Competition consists of nine categories:

1. Smart Cities and Transportation: Innovative solutions for the development of smart cities and transportation systems.

2. Information and Communication Technologies: Projects on digitalization, software development, and communication technologies.

3. Education: Integration of technology in education, digital learning platforms, and improved teaching methods.

4. Energy and Environment: Renewable energy solutions, environmentally friendly technologies, and sustainability projects.

5. Food and Agriculture: Digitalization in agriculture, food security, and innovative solutions to improve efficiency.

6. Mechanical Manufacturing and Automotive: Advanced engineering, automotive technologies, and machine design projects.

7. Health: Health technologies, digital health solutions, and medical devices.

8. Defense, Space, and Aviation: Defense technologies, space research, and aerospace projects.

9. Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Innovative enterprise projects aimed at generating solutions to social challenges.

1. First Stage Evaluation (Preliminary Review): Applications are preliminarily reviewed by an expert jury. This stage assesses the fundamental suitability and competence of the projects.

2. Second Stage Evaluation: Projects that pass the first stage are evaluated in greater detail by subject-matter experts. In this stage, projects are scored based on criteria such as originality, innovation, methodology and process, feasibility, and added value.

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• Originality/Innovation: The degree to which the project is innovative and differs from existing solutions.

• Methodology and Process: The effectiveness of the project’s design, development process, and methods used.

• Feasibility and Usability: The practical applicability and usefulness of the project in real-world contexts.

• Added Value and Broader Impact: The social or industrial benefit, widespread impact, and potential for value creation of the project.

Successful projects are invited to the final competition and are awarded prizes. These awards aim to further enhance students’ scientific and engineering skills and enable them to undertake larger-scale projects. Additionally, the projects gain significant visibility, creating opportunities at both academic and industrial levels.

The TEKNOFEST University Student Research Project Competition provides university students in Türkiye with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in technology development. The competition encourages participants not only to engage in scientific research but also to generate solutions to societal challenges. In this context, the competition is regarded as an important step toward achieving Türkiye’s National Technology Initiative.