Shipsider is a maritime technology company that develops digital solutions for the management of commercial freight operations. The company provides a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform designed to support small and medium-sized shipping companies in managing operational, financial and regulatory aspects of maritime transport. The platform consolidates processes such as pre-fixture calculations, carbon sea freight estimation, post-fixture operations, laytime and demurrage, EU ETS freight carbon tax accounting and charter party management into a single modular system. Tailored for small and medium-sized shipping firms, Shipsider enables real-time voyage tracking, loss tonnage minimization and carbon emissions compliance. Its generative AI engine supports decision-making without the need for multiple software tools, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. Co-founded by maritime professionals and software engineers, the company is part of Turkey’s Bilişim Vadisi Tech Zone and has been recognized under the UN Women Entrepreneurship Programme. Shipsider’s system is designed to streamline freight logistics, improve data accuracy and support more sustainable maritime operations.

Sumatrix Biotech is a Turkish biotechnology company developing bio-based materials and systems through microbial fermentation, with applications spanning sustainable agriculture and circular biofabrication. The company focuses on replacing resource-intensive and non-biodegradable materials with biologically derived alternatives compatible with existing production infrastructure. One of Sumatrix Biotech’s technology applications is BacTexture, a leather-alternative material produced from bacterial cellulose through controlled fermentation processes. The material is developed as a substitute for animal- and petroleum-derived leather, without the use of synthetic binders or dedicated new manufacturing infrastructure. BacTexture is produced using optimized chemistry within established fermentation systems, enabling reduced water and energy use while supporting scalable production. The resulting biofabricated material is intended for use in fashion, design and other surface-material applications where durability and material performance are required. By addressing both environmental and ethical challenges in the leather industry, Sumatrix offers a low-impact material with high mechanical performance, suitable for sustainable applications in fashion and design.

SuTech Otonom Teknoloji A.S. is an Istanbul-based technology company, specializing in the design, software development and integration of autonomous marine vessels that convert wave energy into renewable electricity for urban transportation applications. Their technology, SuTech Wavegan, utilizes the mechanical movement between the lower and upper hulls of the watercraft, caused by wave motion, to generate electricity without relying on fossil fuels. This system offers a low-emission, energy-efficient alternative for powering vessels and supports the development of sustainable transport modes on underutilized urban waterways. By integrating with existing city infrastructure, SuTech’s solution also alleviates road traffic congestion and contributes to smart urban mobility and climate action efforts.

TechnoAlga Eco Solutions develops sustainable sun protection products using UV-filtering compounds derived from Antarctic microalgae. The innovation replaces synthetic UV filters, which are often associated with environmental hazards, toxic effects, and limited UV range protection. The microalgal filters offer broad-spectrum UV-A and UV-B protection, greater stability, and potential antioxidant and anti-ageing skin benefits. The production process is environmentally friendly, utilizing green extraction methods and zero-waste principles. Residual biomass is repurposed as biofertilizer, contributing to circular resource use and carbon-negative production.

ThermTrap is developing a latent thermal energy storage system (LHTES) designed to increase energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and lower energy costs by harnessing untapped renewable or waste heat sources. In response to the global climate crisis and aligned with international frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the European Green Deal, the solution offers a scalable and sustainable alternative to conventional energy storage systems. Unlike sensible thermal systems, the company's LHTES units can store the same amount of energy in a much smaller volume, thanks to their use of phase change materials (PCMs). These units operate near constant temperatures during charging and discharging, allowing for efficient energy transfer. Compared to chemical thermal storage systems, they are significantly safer, more cost-effective, and easier to control, avoiding the complex and hazardous requirements of chemical reaction management. 

Toprağın Sana Yeter is a Turkish agritech venture advancing sustainable agriculture through organic fertilizers and comprehensive farming consultancy services. The company bridges academic research with field-based expertise to support farmers in improving soil health, increasing productivity, and reducing reliance on chemical inputs. Its innovation lies in a data-driven approach that integrates AI-supported monitoring systems, fertilizer maps customized to crop and soil profiles, and a mobile application for real-time decision-making in agriculture. By combining tailored organic fertilizer formulations with continuous technical support, Toprağın Sana Yeter empowers farmers to implement more effective and sustainable farming practices, ultimately enhancing food quality, environmental resilience, and rural livelihoods.

Wastespresso is a waste management and materials company focused on the collection and upcycling of spent coffee grounds from offices, corporate headquarters, hotels and hospitality venues. The company addresses the environmental impacts associated with organic waste disposal and the continued use of petroleum-based plastics by transforming coffee waste into reusable raw materials and products. Through a proprietary processing approach, the company converts this waste stream into coffee-based granules that can be used as an alternative input for bioplastic production. These granules serve as a raw material for the manufacture of reusable consumer and industrial products, offering a non-fossil-based option for plastics. The company’s solution avoids the use of food-based bioplastic feedstocks such as corn or vegetable oils, instead relying on an abundant and underutilized waste stream. By valorizing up to 99% of collected coffee grounds, Wastespresso supports circular material flows and reduces emissions associated with waste disposal and virgin plastic production. Its products are marketed to both business and consumer markets, with applications ranging from reusable items to customized plastic components.

Yek Marine addresses one of the major operational and environmental challenges in aquaculture: the removal of dead fish from sea cage systems. Traditionally, this task is performed manually by divers working at depths of 40–45 meters under physically demanding and hazardous conditions. The failure to remove dead fish can lead to the accumulation of organic matter, increasing methane emissions, contributing to marine pollution, and spreading disease among healthy fish populations. The AQUA MECH system automates this process using artificial intelligence and high-resolution imaging to detect and remove dead fish without human intervention. The solution reduces the physical burden on divers, lowers the risk of workplace accidents and helps maintain healthier aquatic environments. Integrated biological and solid filtration systems purify and recycle the water, enhancing environmental sustainability. The system also includes digital tracking for operational transparency and improved aquaculture management.

Yugen Company addresses the environmental impact of the leather and textile industries by developing POMECO, a sustainable plant-based leather alternative derived from waste pomegranate peels. The innovation leverages the bioactive content of pomegranate peels, which are rich in cellulose, lignin, flavonoids and phenolic acids. These components yield a durable, antibacterial and solvent-free material with high biocontent (90%). Compared to conventional leather, the production of POMECO reduces carbon emissions by 90%, and by 60% compared to artificial leather. The process avoids the use of solvents and toxic chemicals, minimizing water pollution and industrial waste. Designed for compatibility with existing artificial leather production lines, POMECO ensures the ease of scalability. This solution offers a viable circular economy model by upcycling agricultural waste that would otherwise be burned, while reducing the environmental footprint of leather production.