Bahçeşehir University Reaches Semi-Finals in Global Innovation Competition

In the Ericsson Innovation Awards, a global innovation competition in which university students from around the world present their solutions to current and potential climate-related risks, the project of the Methaneligent team formed by Bahçeşehir University (BAU), which proposes generating electricity from methane gas inspired by photosynthesis, reached the semi-finals, leaving behind more than 2,000 competitors.

Presenting the project with mentorship from the BAU Faculty of Engineering and the Technology Transfer Office (TTO), the Methaneligent team proposes a solution, inspired by nature's own photosynthesis mechanism, that allows air to be filtered into its natural elements and uses methane gas to generate electricity. Through unique and dynamic algorithms, Methaneligent seeks to optimize its solution to develop a sustainable machine that makes use of abundant and untapped resources.

2020 Theme: Reclaim the Future

First launched in 2009 as a global innovation competition, the Ericsson Innovation Awards were made exclusive to students in 2015 and their scope was expanded to focus more on innovation. Participating countries and student representatives presented the projects they developed under the theme "Act, Face the facts, Innovate, Reclaim the future." In the competition, which brought together universities from around the world, BAU reached the semi-finals with its remarkable project.

Stating that Ericsson is committed to creating a real impact worldwide, Ericsson Türkiye General Manager Işıl Yalçın said:

"At Ericsson, we support the scientific work of our young people that will reduce the effects of the global climate crisis. It is promising that young people combine their interest in technology with knowledge in search of solutions to ecological problems. Opened to students in 2015, the Ericsson Innovation Awards once again host valuable projects that will shape the future this year. It is a source of pride for us to host the projects of these young talents who are not indifferent to the world they live in. I warmly congratulate Bahçeşehir University and its team, who reached the semi-finals from our country."

Project Ranked First in the Middle East and Africa Region

Fatma Nur Yokuş, a Computer Engineering student at Bahçeşehir University, which reached the semi-finals from Türkiye, said: "I wanted to see this competition as an opportunity to find a solution to a global problem. With my original smart machine idea, we were selected among the top 14 groups to reach the semi-finals out of more than 2,000 groups that entered the competition worldwide. We also ranked first in the Middle East and Africa region with my idea. This competition process, which means a lot to me, gave me invaluable experience. For example, with mentorship support, I learned step by step how to turn ideas that had remained on paper for years into something applicable in real life. Looking back now, I feel more courageous, and keeping the lessons I learned in mind, I look forward to the next competition I will enter and the ideas I want to bring to life. I am so glad I dared to share my idea with Ericsson and that they gave me this valuable opportunity. I am already curious about next year's competition topic, but more importantly, I feel more prepared thanks to the experience I gained this year. Let's see which global problem Ericsson will bring to us next year and what solutions we will try to contribute."