Students from Istinye University’s Quantum Dynamics Club secured second place in Turkey at the TEKNOFEST 2025 Northern Cyprus finals with their innovative project titled “Early Detection, Intervention, and Soil Protection System for Stubble Fires Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.”
A UAV System that Detects Fires and Protects the Soil
The project features an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that conducts patrol flights during high-risk fire seasons. Equipped with image processing algorithms, the UAV identifies fires and creates a containment line using an eco-friendly biological compound. This special formulation not only halts the spread of flames but also nourishes the soil and can be used as fertilizer. With its high water retention capacity, the compound helps firefighters control the fire more effectively and prevents its spread to nearby forests.
“30% of Forest Fires Originate from Stubble Fires”
Zeynep Sude Gülfidan, a third-year Mechanical Engineering student and team member, shared the motivation behind the project:
“We focused on stubble fires after learning that around 30% of identified forest fires originate from such fires. If we can stop stubble fires, we can significantly reduce forest fires. In many countries, including ours, stubble burning is already banned. Our aim was to raise awareness among farmers about this issue.
During our field research, we discovered that our biological compound could be applied over wider areas, which encouraged us to scale the project and pursue it with an entrepreneurial mindset.”
A Scientific Approach to the Wildfire Crisis
Turkey is among the Mediterranean countries most affected by wildfires, particularly during the summer months. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, approximately 74,000 hectares of forest were damaged by fire in 2023. In 2024, there have already been around 3,800 forest fires, affecting nearly 27,000 hectares. As climate change exacerbates fire spread and severity, the environmental toll on ecosystems, air quality, and soil health becomes increasingly critical.
This reality underlines the importance of innovative solutions emerging from academic institutions. Through their project, İstinye University students are offering a scientifically grounded, environmentally friendly, and actionable solution to the wildfire problem—addressing both the immediate threat and its long-term ecological impact.
Students Shaping a Sustainable Future
The award-winning project was developed by İstinye University students Zeynep Sude Gülfidan (Mechanical Engineering, 3rd year), Tuana Harmankaya (Software Engineering, 2nd year), Ebru Çepni (Computer Engineering, 3rd year), Sıla Pirim (Mechanical Engineering, 3rd year), and Enes Durudeniz (Computer Engineering, 1st year).
With this project, Istinye University students are not only advancing technology but also demonstrating a strong vision for a sustainable future. By combining fields such as environmental engineering, artificial intelligence, and architecture, students aim to create a system that protects nature while promoting ecological balance.
