IDEAS ARE TURNING INTO PRODUCTS

Turkish Airlines (THY) are turning the ideas of young people into reality. THY, with collaboration of Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Embryonix Technology Transfer Office, is supporting projects of the future. Gizem Acar Yavuz, who made a presentation at the “Technology Development Program: From Idea to Product” passed the initial stage and came in first place with her “Coffee Art Machine” titled project, whereas Can Dörtkardeşler came in second place with his “Udentify” titled project.

The finalist projects were evaluated at IUE Conference Hall with the participation of IUE Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar, Serdar Gürbüz, Director, Digital Innovation Department, THY, Mehmet Sandıklı, Engineer, Digital Innovation Department, THY, and Ayça Yörnük, Marketing Supervisor, Sales Directorate, THY Izmir Region. As a result of the evaluations, projects of Yavuz and Dörtkardeşler qualified to be implemented by THY.

Gizem Acar Yavuz, who entered the program with her project “Coffee Art Machine”, developed a device that can ornament and personalize the beverages on flights and in lounge areas with 3D printers. Yavuz said, “I’ve developed a machine that creates colorful patterns and pictures on beverages. This way, beverages will have more personalized designs and different looks. These personalized designs make beverages look more colorful and aesthetic”.

‘THY, flying entrepreneurs to success…’

Serdar Gürbüz, Director of Digital Innovation Department, THY, stated that they aimed to provide technical support that will help entrepreneurs succeed, and they considered the creative projects in collaboration with Izmir University of Economics. Gürbüz reported that they provided a month long training and mentoring support for entrepreneurs who participated in the incubation program, and THY will be implementing the two successful projects.