Gebze Technical University Signs Agreement with Plant Factory

A research and development focused cooperation protocol was signed between Gebze Technical University and Plant Factory, one of the pioneers of closed-space soilless vertical farming systems in the country.

University and industry unite for agriculture

Following discussions held over a period of time, a four-year cooperation protocol was signed between the Biotechnology Institute of Gebze Technical University, one of the country's 11 Research Universities, and Plant Factory Plant and Food Systems Inc., a pioneer in domestic and national systems for closed-space soilless vertical farming. At the meeting held in the Gebze Technical University Senate Hall under the presidency of Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammed Hasan ASLAN, Plant Factory founding partners Halil BEŞKARDEŞLER, Ahmet GÜNEY, Emre KAYNAR and Anıl SÖNMEZ were present along with Biotechnology Institute Director Prof. Dr. Işıl KURNAZ, Deputy Director Dr. Lecturer Ümit Barış KUTMAN, Department of Biotechnology Chair Prof. Dr. Elif Damla ARISAN, Dr. Lecturer Bahar YILDIZ KUTMAN, General Secretary Nadir YILDIRIM and Institute Secretary Murat UÇAR.

Goal: Growing healthy products

Under the protocol signed, a research and development focused prototype of the soilless vertical farming system developed by Plant Factory will be established on the Gebze Technical University campus. Through this system, using approaches such as plant nutrition optimization and biofortification, R&D activities are planned to increase resource use efficiency, reduce carbon footprint, create a sustainable production system resistant to climate change in terms of global food and nutrition security, impart functional food properties to products, and ultimately grow higher quality, more "green" and healthier products in all respects.