Eastern Black Sea Academic Accelerator 22 Demo Day

Following the Project Marketplace, organized with the support of the Development Agency and under the leadership of Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) Technology Transfer Application and Research Center (TTM), a Startup Accelerator was launched for the most successful entrepreneurs in collaboration with the Development Agency and KTU TTM.

Organized by in4startups, this accelerator was specially designed for academic entrepreneurs.

Accelerator Overview

The accelerator, which started on June 7, provided 20 selected entrepreneurs with training in seven different topics. Throughout the program, eight seminars were held every week to foster experience sharing and to promote entrepreneurial culture in the region.

In addition to 20 hours of startup analysis, entrepreneurs were introduced to existing and new customer segments identified through the analysis. By meeting potential customers, participants had the opportunity to test market demand for their products and projects while collecting valuable feedback.

The program featured 35 different mentors, providing entrepreneurs with a total of 54 hours of mentorship. Participants were matched with industry experts from various fields, including chemistry, maritime, metal industry, health technologies, food, and software. Through this mentorship, entrepreneurs were able to validate product-market fit, nurture customer relationships, send product samples, and even make sales within the accelerator.

In the last two weeks of the accelerator, participants focused on pitching preparation and underwent preliminary evaluations. As a result, 11 selected startups earned the right to participate in Demo Day, where they had the chance to pitch their projects to 10 different investors and investment networks.

Demo Day and Investor Participation

On August 17, the Demo Day event took place, featuring prominent investors and ecosystem stakeholders, including:

• Doğukan Çetin (APY)
• Alperen Şarlayan (Fonbulucu)
• Abdurrahman Çam (Kültepe Yatırım)
• Şeyma Çiçek (Kalyon VC)
• Kenan Altun (Fonkolay)
• Buğra Metin (Tarvenn)
• Bilgehan Yalçınkayalar (TT Ventures)
• Angel Investors: Orkun Beyaz and Irem Atay
• in4startups Representatives: Şerafettin Özsoy and Ahmet Sefa Bir

Additionally, representatives from the organizing institutions—KTÜ TTM Module 5 Coordinator Eren Yılmaz, Güler Tuğba Gültekin, and Development Agency officials Mehmet Bozdoğan and Oğuzhan Şatır—attended the event to support the startups.

Startups That Pitched on Demo Day

Dursun Murat SEKBAN: Friction Stir Welding for Shipbuilding Panel Lines

A robotic friction stir welding machine for ship panel assembly, eliminating the need for manual welding skills, reducing costs, ship weight, and ultimately fuel consumption.

Bilge YILMAZ: Bio-polymer Production via Pine Resin and Fusel Oil Modification

Converts natural pine resin into bio-based hardeners for varnish, adhesive, and industrial applications using fusel oil, a by-product of ethanolproduction.

Ömer Sinan SAHİN: Dynamic Trim and Stability Control System

An automated stability control system for high-speed boats, reducing yawing, loss of maneuverability, and visibility issues caused by lifting bow sections.

Hayrettin ACAR: Software for Automated Detection of 3D Structural Changes in Buildings

A software solution for detecting 3D changes in buildings, enhancing structural monitoring and safety assessments.

Merve TÜRKMEN: Production of Phosphorescent Composite Filaments from Recycled Polymers

Developing phosphorescent filaments that provide long-lasting illumination without electricity, using recycled polymers.

Gizem ARSLAN: Search and Rescue Robot for Disaster Zones

A rescue robot equipped with microphones and speakers to communicate with victims and sensors to detect gas leaks in disaster zones.

Yasin TÜLÜCE – Sedat KÖSTEKCI: Gene Silencing for Cancer Prevention

Developing siRNA-based formulations coated with chitosan, facilitating targeted gene silencing to combat cancer cell formation.

Temel TÜRKER: Multi-Channel Vibration Measurement System

A customizable, locally produced system for monitoring structural behaviors, offering cost-effective and functional usage with open-source development capabilities.

Rasit SEZER: Economical Local Production of Al-Sr Master Alloys for Foundries

Developing a novel process to produce aluminum master alloys from celestite ore, reducing costs and enhancing environmental sustainability in the automotive and wheel casting industries.

Serhatcan Berk AKÇAY: Next-Generation Electrical Contacts

Producing layered electrical contacts with recycled copper powders using electroless silver-nickel plating, enabling cost-effective, scalable production.

Sahin DIREKEL: Indicator System for Monitoring Perishable Foods

Developing color-changing indicators that react with metalloids to monitor the spoilage status of meat, poultry, and seafood during storage and transportation.

Next Steps for Entrepreneurs

After Demo Day, the participating entrepreneurs graduated from the program and will soon receive their certificates of participation and completion at an upcoming event.

During this period, entrepreneurs will continue refining their ventures based on investor feedback and will shape their future strategies according to potential investment opportunities.