Innovative Projects
Sakarya University conducts all its research and development activities through its application and research centers and laboratories, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals with projects developed by its academic staff and students.
Innovative studies are supported both through the university’s own resources (Scientific Research Projects – BAP) and external funding provided by TÜBİTAK, the European Union, and other public institutions.
Research Publications and Trends (2021–2024)
According to data from the Sakarya University Open Access System (2024), there has been a consistent increase in academic publications themed around Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) over the past four years. Between 2021 and 2024, the number of publications rose from 28 to 43, representing an increase of approximately 54%. These publications focus on topics such as sustainable production technologies, green energy systems, smart cities, and digital infrastructure planning. This trend demonstrates the growing strength of Sakarya University’s academic contribution to sustainable industrial development and technological innovation.
Project and Patent Activities
In 2024, approximately 120 BAP and 32 TÜBİTAK projects carried out within Sakarya University focused on themes such as energy efficiency, materials technology, digital transformation, environmental engineering, transportation systems, and green infrastructure.
During the same year, 35 invention disclosures, 30 national patent applications, 20 international patent applications, and 1 utility model registration were completed.
Examples of sustainability-oriented patents include:
Sustainability-Oriented R&D Projects (2024)
The table below presents a curated selection of 2024 research and development projects that make direct contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 — Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. These projects highlight sustainable production, clean energy systems, smart city applications, circular economy, and digital transformation, reflecting Sakarya University’s steadfast commitment to advancing applied research and innovation for sustainable industrial development.
| Project Title | Program / Type | Focus Area | Relevance to SDG 9 | | Design and Prototype Manufacturing of a 100% Hydrogen-Fueled Boiler | TÜBİTAK 1505 | Clean Energy Technology | Renewable energy systems and industrial decarbonization | | Development of Alternative CTP Pipes for Steel Pipes Used in Geothermal Energy Lines | TÜBİTAK 1505 | Green Infrastructure | Sustainable materials and infrastructure innovation | | Production of Next-Generation High-Voltage Li-Ion Batteries with Cobalt-Free and Low-Nickel Content | TÜBİTAK 1001 | Energy Storage | Eco-friendly energy storage & circular economy | | Development of Innovative, Low-Cost NaFePO₄-Type Sodium-Ion Batteries | TÜBİTAK 1071 (International) | Battery Recycling | Smart materials and waste-to-resource innovation | | Recycling of Waste Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes by Hydrometallurgical Processes | BAP (KABDEP-Large Scale) | Circular Economy | Industrial recycling & green chemistry | | Sustainable Noise Barrier Against Heavy Traffic Noise: Waste Tire Substituted Polymer Composite | FBDTEZ | Sustainable Materials | Green urban infrastructure and noise reduction | | Modeling the Effects of Climate Change on Water Level and Quality of Lake Sapanca | FBDTEZ | Climate Adaptation | Infrastructure resilience & environmental engineering | | Developing a Spatial Decision Support System for Sustainable Hazelnut Farming Using AI and Satellite Data | TÜBİTAK 1001 | Smart Agriculture | Digital transformation & sustainable production | | A Model Proposal for an Integrated Public Transportation System for Sakarya | FBYLTEZ | Smart Mobility | Urban infrastructure & sustainable transport | | Transformation of Urban Identity through Smart City Applications: The Case of Amsterdam | SBDTEZ | Smart Cities | Sustainable urban design and innovation policy | | Determination of the Most Suitable Building-Adapted Photovoltaic System for Sakarya and Eastern Marmara | BAP (GAP) | Renewable Energy | Smart infrastructure & green energy transition | | Developing Innovative Policies for the Automotive Sub-Industry within the European Green Deal | TÜBİTAK 3005 | Industry Innovation | Industrial transformation & sustainability alignment | | Digitalization of Institutional Carbon Footprint of Sakarya University Using AI Methods | BAP (Joint Project) | Smart Infrastructure | Green digital transformation & low-carbon planning | | Investigation of Biofuel Production Potentials from Sewage Sludge and Biomass | FBDTEZ | Waste-to-Energy | Clean technology & industrial waste valorization | | Production of Antifungal Edible Coating Using Chitin Nanofiber Extracted from Biological Waste | FBDTEZ | Green Chemistry | Sustainable materials & industrial biotechnology | | Development and Characterization of Reinforced Algae-Based Biodegradable Films | BAP (Special Support Call) | Sustainable Production | Green polymer innovation & industrial application | | Creating Renewable Energy Resources Suitability Analysis Workflow Models | FBYLTEZ | Energy Planning | Industrial energy mapping & sustainability analytics | | Forecasting the Effects of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Using Econometric Models | BAP (Special Research) | Climate & Economy | Data-driven policy for sustainable industrialization | | |
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
Under the G-FAST Acceleration Program, entrepreneurs are provided with mentorship, investment support, and office facilities.
The 9th Farabi R&D and Innovation Project Market strengthened the collaboration among academia, industry, and public institutions with the participation of over 100 projects.
The EU Sparks for Climate Hackathon fostered the development of international solutions addressing climate change.
Through initiatives supported by Scientific Research Projects, TÜBİTAK programs, international funds, and the Technopark ecosystem, Sakarya University continually strengthens its capacity for applied research, innovation, and commercialization. With its expanding publication record, dynamic project portfolio, and strong partnerships with industry and local governments, the university exemplifies exceptional performance in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 — Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
