YTU Monthly - July, 2026
Research, Innovation and Campus Life at Yildiz Technical University (YTU)
Featured Research Projects
Yıldız Technical University continues to contribute to high-impact research initiatives that address sectoral challenges through digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable innovation. Two ongoing projects highlight this interdisciplinary approach: one focusing on AI-driven forecasting for Türkiye’s dairy industry, and the other advancing safer digital transformation in the maritime sector. The project titled “Simulation of Business Profitability Based on Raw Milk Supply and Price Forecasting in Türkiye” brings together Ak Gıda Industry and Trade Inc. as the project coordinator, Medyasoft Consulting and Training Inc. as the technology provider, and Yıldız Technical University as the academic advisor. Raw milk production exhibits high seasonal volatility and unpredictability influenced by multiple dynamic variables (e.g., livestock count, feed prices, weather conditions). Traditional manual forecasting methods fail to account for these multi-variable complexities, presenting major risks. Unpredicted supply spikes or drops disrupt manufacturing schedules, making efficient resource and supply chain management difficult. Imbalances in raw material volume impair production planning and commercial execution for dairy-derived goods, restricting market growth and target profitability. A lack of alignment between raw milk availability and end-product demand results in stockouts or waste, lowering market availability and reducing overall competitiveness. To overcome these difficulties, our project aims to develop a forecasting model that combines traditional statistical techniques with machine learning and deep learning to accurately forecast seasonal raw milk supply and product demand, mitigating operational risks and optimizing resource allocation for the dairy industry. The proposed solution delivers an integrated software platform that applies advanced data science to bridge the information gap between agricultural supply and market demand.
While this project demonstrates how artificial intelligence can strengthen decision-making and operational efficiency in agriculture and food production, Yıldız Technical University’s research collaborations also extend to other strategic sectors where digital transformation plays a critical role. As a partner in the SADIT-MAR (Safe Digital Transformation in the Maritime Industry) initiative, supported by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Yıldız Technical University contributes to advancing a safer, more resilient, and inclusive digital transformation in the maritime sector.
Through interdisciplinary research, international conferences, workshops, and training programmes, the network will address key challenges related to maritime safety, cyber resilience, autonomous systems, and digital risk management. Running from September 2025 to August 2027, the project aims to strengthen global collaboration and develop knowledge frameworks to support a safer, more resilient digital maritime ecosystem.
Following SADIT-MAR's efforts to strengthen digital safety in the maritime sector, the spotlight now turns to another innovative initiative that brings together agriculture and energy: PV4Plants. PV4Plants (AgriPV system with climate, water, and light spectrum control for safe, healthier, and improved crops production) is an ambitious Horizon Europe initiative focused on agrivoltaics, the simultaneous use of land for renewable energy generation and high-quality agricultural production. With contributions from Yildiz Technical University, the project develops and demonstrates adaptable photovoltaic systems that optimize light transmission and crop-growing conditions while generating clean energy.
Patents & Technology Transfer
Strengthening its position as one of Turkey’s leading institutions in research, innovation, and technology development, Yıldız Technical University has achieved remarkable success in the PatentEffect Report 2025. According to the report’s 2025 data, YTU ranked first among state universities in 10 out of 20 different technology fields, significantly increasing its number of leading positions from 2 in 2023 and 5 in 2024 to 10 in 2025. The university also maintained its leadership in international patent applications and ranked first in European patent applications among Turkish universities.
YTU achieved notable success in several strategic fields, including Advanced Materials, Battery Technologies, Green Technologies, Additive Manufacturing, and Manufacturing and Construction. In Advanced Materials, the university ranked first with 107 patent applications, ahead of Atatürk University with 78 and Ege University with 77 applications. In Green Technologies, YTU led the field with 88 patent applications, reflecting its contribution to eco-friendly innovation. The university also ranked first in Manufacturing and Construction with 47 applications, followed by Karadeniz Technical University and Istanbul Technical University.
YTU’s patent performance also extended to the international arena. In the PCT general ranking, which covers international patent applications, the university ranked first among state universities with 155 applications. According to European Patent application data, YTU also ranked first among Turkish universities with 15 applications.
International Events & Conferences
Yıldız Technical University's role as a hub for international academic exchange continues to grow, with two major conferences scheduled to take place on campus in the coming months. From architecture science to maritime engineering, these events reflect the university's commitment to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and connecting researchers, industry professionals, and academics from around the world. YTU will host the international conference Research Trends in Architecture Science 2026, organized in collaboration with Istanbul Medipol University, Yıldız Technical University, and Istanbul Technical University. The conference will take place on 26–28 November 2026 at YTU’s Beşiktaş Campus in Istanbul, Türkiye, and will be held in English in both face-to-face and online formats.
Organized for the first time this year, Research Trends in Architecture Science 2026 aims to bring together researchers, academics, industry representatives, and professionals from various disciplines, including architecture, interior architecture, urban design, and engineering. The conference provides an interdisciplinary platform to discuss current academic and industrial developments in architecture science. This year’s main theme is “Building Skin.” The conference will address a wide range of topics, including the performance of building skin, traditional and innovative materials, cultural heritage, sustainability and circularity, smart and adaptive approaches, building skin damages and design problems, digital tools and new technologies, project delivery and collaborative processes, codes and regulations, as well as case studies and best practices. Submissions beyond the specified themes will also be considered. In addition to academic presentations, the conference will offer opportunities for scholarly discussion, knowledge exchange, and sectoral collaboration.
Alongside this focus on the built environment, attention shifts to the maritime domain, where YTU will welcome experts from across the globe to explore the latest advances in ship and offshore engineering. The 11th International Conference on Ships and Offshore Structures (ICSOS 2026) will be hosted by Yıldız Technical University in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 4–7 October 2026. The conference will bring together researchers and industry experts working on ships, offshore structures, and maritime technologies.
ICSOS 2026 will provide an international platform to discuss advances in ship design, offshore engineering, marine hydrodynamics, renewable energy technologies, and digital maritime systems, including artificial intelligence, digital twins, and autonomous vessels. Selected high-quality papers will be promoted to special issues of the Journal of Ships and Offshore Structures (Taylor & Francis) and the Seatific Journal, offering participants a fast-track publication opportunity.
