Soil-Free Production Initiative Begins
A Vertical Farming Lab on Campus Equal to a 7,000-Square-Meter Field
A vertical farming container has been installed on the Yeditepe University campus under the cooperation protocol signed between Yeditepe University and İstanbul Gübre Sanayii A.Ş. (İGSAŞ). Although the container measures only 30 square meters, it delivers a production capacity comparable to a traditional field of roughly 7,000 square meters. It now functions as a live agricultural laboratory for students.
The Vertical Farming Container Project, developed through the partnership between Yeditepe University and İGSAŞ, one of Türkiye’s leading fertilizer producers, has become a central part of campus life as one of the most concrete examples of sustainable production. By combining academic expertise with industry experience, the project introduces soil-free production methods, climate-independent systems, up to 99 percent water savings, and pesticide-free cultivation. It brings the future agricultural model into present-day practice.
Installed on the Yeditepe University campus, the İGSAŞ–Yeditepe Vertical Farming Container reaches a production capacity equivalent to nearly 7,000 square meters of farmland while occupying only 30 square meters of space. Traditional systems typically hold around 2,500 plants. This model increases capacity to 10,000 plants. With this capability, it stands among the solutions offering the highest cultivation volume in its category worldwide.
The cooperation protocol for the project was signed during a ceremony at Yeditepe University. Yeditepe University Founder and Honorary President Bedrettin Dalan, Rector Prof. Mehmet Durman, and İGSAŞ General Manager İlkay Ünal attended the event..
A Live Agricultural Laboratory for Students
Designed to overcome the constraints of land, water, and climate that define conventional agriculture, this model enables year-round production in a controlled environment. The closed-loop vertical farming container regulates all growing conditions through automated systems. As a result, production becomes completely independent from external environmental factors.
The vertical farming container on the Yeditepe University campus is not only a production site but also a meaningful step forward in education. It operates as a live agricultural laboratory where students can transform theoretical knowledge into hands-on practice.
The First Concrete Step in Vertical Farming
Yeditepe University became the first implementation site of the Vertical Farming Container Project, made possible through the combination of the university’s academic infrastructure and İGSAŞ’s technological expertise. More than 100 students will receive practical training in soil-free agriculture techniques, climate-controlled production, automation systems, and data analytics.
Yeditepe University Founder and Honorary President Bedrettin Dalan described the project as a strategic move for the future and stated:
“As Yeditepe University, we approach education together with a culture of research, development, and innovation. This cooperation with İGSAŞ represents a strong example of university–industry solidarity. We believe that the vertical farming unit will enrich our academic work and contribute to Türkiye’s agricultural future.”
Smart Production Against the Water Crisis
Water efficiency is one of the most critical aspects of the project. Compared with traditional production methods, the vertical farming system reduces water consumption by approximately 99 percent. The controlled production environment also eliminates the need for pesticides, enabling the cultivation of safer, healthier products.
Rector Prof. Mehmet Durman highlighted the importance of protecting water resources and noted:
“Water efficiency is one of the most crucial issues in Türkiye’s agricultural production. This project stands among the most concrete steps in sustainable agriculture. It offers great value by allowing our students to experience modern production techniques firsthand and contribute to the transformation of agriculture in our country.”
İGSAŞ General Manager İlkay Ünal shared his assessment of the initiative:
“We consider sustainable agricultural technologies a strategic priority. Through our cooperation with Yeditepe University, we are bringing vertical farming practices into university campuses and connecting young people with the production models of the future.”
A New Standard in Agriculture
The İGSAŞ–Yeditepe Vertical Farming Container, established on the Yeditepe University campus, achieves a production capacity equivalent to a traditional 7,000-square-meter field while using only 30 square meters of space. Capacity, which averages around 2,500 plants in conventional systems, reaches up to 10,000 plants in this model. With this feature, it ranks among the solutions with the highest plant-growing volume in its category globally.
Lettuce, strawberries, mint, basil, and other aromatic plants are cultivated inside the container. Thanks to the hydroponic system, it delivers high yields while maintaining an environmentally responsible production approach.
The Future of Production Begins on Campus
Realized through the shared vision of Yeditepe University and İGSAŞ, this project reflects not only today's agricultural approach but also tomorrow’s. Based on the principle of using less space and water while producing more, the model serves as a strong reference point where sustainable agriculture and education come together.
The container rising on campus cultivates more than plants. It nurtures environmental awareness, resource responsibility, and a forward-looking production mindset.