From Learning Innovation to Experiencing Innovation
Istanbul Gelisim University is transforming learning from the transfer of knowledge into active participation in innovation. Students do not simply study innovation: they experience, create, protect and advance it towards real-world value.
Learning Through Real Innovation
Our Teaching and Learning Strategy connects formal education, multidisciplinary mentoring, research infrastructure, industry challenges and intellectual property within a continuous pathway. Students learn not only how technologies work, but also how ideas become tested, protected and applicable solutions for society.
At the centre of this model, the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) bridges students, academics and industry. Real technological challenges become graduation and research projects, then progress through mentoring, prototyping, production, testing, intellectual property processes and external collaboration.
Beyond the Classroom
Authentic, multidisciplinary learning experiences build confidence and problem-solving skills while connecting academic knowledge to the full innovation lifecycle.
JET DRONE: From Graduation Thesis to Award-Winning Aircraft
Started in 2022 as an undergraduate graduation thesis, JET DRONE was developed within the TTO by a six-student team into an electric fan-powered fixed-wing VTOL aircraft. It won first place among 93 teams from 38 universities in the 2023 Turkish Aerospace Hangar Campus Innovation Programme and progressed through production, testing and exhibition at TEKNOFEST.
Academic Beginnings
Undergraduate graduation thesis developed by a six-student team.
National Recognition
First among 93 teams representing 38 universities in 2023.
Hands-On Engineering
Aerodynamics, electronics, software and manufacturing integrated into one working system.
Innovation in Numbers
New invention files processed in the first seven months of 2026
Students involved in these invention files
Patents and utility models granted during the same period
ISIF 2026 medal for the student co-developed Multimodal Artificial Intelligence Security Layer
Research Opportunities Across Disciplines
In 2025, 54 TÜBİTAK 2209-A student research projects from seven academic units received funding. The following application period generated 263 student research applications across eight academic units.
Structured training, mentoring and digital project-support mechanisms help students progress from curiosity to disciplined research and development, regardless of their field of study.
54 Funded Projects · 263 Applications
A growing culture of student-led research supported across academic disciplines.
Technology-Enhanced Teaching
Alongside extensive physical laboratory infrastructure, Istanbul Gelisim University is integrating immersive technologies into teaching. For the 2026–27 academic year, virtual reality applications using Meta Quest systems are being prepared for Anatomy and Physiology courses, complementing hands-on laboratory experience and conventional instruction.
Recognising Teaching Excellence
Through the University's Academic Performance Evaluation Process Management System, teaching activities are formally measured alongside research, projects, patents and professional contributions. High-performing academics are publicly recognised through institutional awards, embedding a culture where excellence in teaching is valued alongside research output.
Projects, Awards and Collaboration
Photographs from the Technology Transfer Office's project presentations, innovation competitions and award ceremonies. Select any image to view it in full size.
They experience it, create it and bring it to life.