Yeditepe University Students Ranked First in the World with Their Air Traffic Control System!
Yeditepe University students reached the top of the world with an artificial intelligence system capable of managing air traffic within seconds during crisis situations.
Students from Yeditepe University who developed an artificial intelligence system capable of reorganizing airspace within seconds during crises such as earthquakes, wars, or adverse weather conditions won first place worldwide in the innovation competition organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), affiliated with the United Nations. The students, who won the award with their project titled “Artificial Intelligence-Supported Air Traffic Controller Guidance and Support System” at the competition held in Montreal, Canada, successfully represented Turkey on the international stage.
From Manual Decisions to Smart Solutions
The system developed by the students supports air traffic control towers during crisis situations by integrating real-time data—information collected and processed instantly as events unfold—from both tower and satellite sources into decision-making processes that are usually manual. As a result, takeoff and landing sequences can be optimized, meaning scheduled in the best order for maximum efficiency, within seconds, significantly reducing waiting times, fuel waste, and safety risks.The system, referred to as a “second opinion,” analyzes parameters such as aircraft type, distance, weather conditions, and runway availability to determine the most suitable airport and recommend alternative landing options when necessary. The highest scores in the technical innovation and social impact categories demonstrate that Turkish youth can effectively combine engineering, law, and technology to create solutions with global reach.
“Our Dreams Must Be Big”
The award-winning students were welcomed with flowers at Yeditepe the ceremony, Founder and Honorary President Bedrettin Dalan said: “For our country to take its rightful place in the world and to reach the vision set by Atatürk, our dreams must be big, and we must work hard and produce. Both our students and young academics are working tirelessly in laboratories to lead in science, technology, and innovation. We are proud of them.”
“We Are Proud of Turkish Youth”
Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Durman stated: “Our students have achieved a world first as representatives of Turkish youth. We are proud of them on behalf of our university and our country. We will always continue to support and stand by them.”.
“Team Spirit Brought Success”
Prof. Dr. Oğuz Bayat, academic advisor to the project, highlighted Yeditepe’s innovation model and said:
“In times of crisis, every second counts. The system developed by our students aims to enhance safety and operational efficiency by supporting tower decisions with real-time data. At Yeditepe University, we support ideas at every stage, help them mature, and open them to the world. This project has become a strong role model for our young engineers.”
Pilot Implementation in Türkiye, Global Integration Ahead
The project, now in the patent application process, will first be tested in Türkiye through crisis simulations with the necessary institutional permissions. In the next phase, the system will operate alongside air traffic controllers as an AI-based support unit. Following its development phase, international integration is planned. The team embraces the principle of “implementation first in Türkiye.” Collaborations with industry partners are planned to ensure compliance with international standards and integration with existing systems. The technology is also expected to serve as a model not only in aviation but also in areas such as disaster management and logistics..
Global Message from Turkish Youth
The project’s idea originated after the February 6 earthquakes in Türkiye. Team leader Umutcan Sürücü developed the concept following the prolonged closure of Hatay Airport, asking the question: “How can the safest rerouting be ensured during crises?” Umutcan Sürücü said: “With this project, we made both our university and our country proud. We wanted to show that Turkish youth can have a voice in the world.” Nisa İpek Umur added: “Sustainability and reducing carbon emissions are among the key components of our project. We aim to further develop it and bring it to international standards.” Yiğit Şen, from the engineering team, shared: “During the finals in Canada, the Turkish delegation and our Consulate General were there to support us. We truly felt at home. This award belongs not only to us but to all of Türkiye.” The achievement in Montreal demonstrates how Yeditepe University’s students, combining engineering, law, and technology, can create solutions with global impact and lead the future..
The Heart of Innovation: Yeditepe Ecosystem
Yeditepe University has built a strong ecosystem that enables student ideas to transform into real projects and products. The Project Management Office, Technology Transfer Office, pre-incubation units—early-stage support programs that help turn ideas into viable startups—and Yeditepe Teknopark work in an integrated structure. Students receive guidance and support from the idea stage through competitions, patent applications, and entrepreneurship programs. Currently, 80 student projects are actively ongoing at Yeditepe University, including 63 TÜBİTAK-supported projects and 17 projects developed within TEKNOFEST and other ministry competitions.
The Team Behind the Success:
Umutcan SÜRÜCÜ – Team Leader, Yeditepe University Faculty of Law graduate, MBA student
Nisa İpek UMUR – Double Major Graduate, Political Science & International Relations and Law, Yeditepe University
Yiğit ŞEN – 4th Year Double Major Student, Computer and Industrial Engineering, Yeditepe University
Mehmet Mert TEZCAN – Computer Engineer, Data Science MSc Student, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
Mehmet Nurettin GEÇKİL – Electronics and Communication Engineering Graduate, Telecommunications Engineering MSc Student, Politecnico di Milano
* Academic Advisor: Prof. Dr. Oğuz BAYAT, Vice Rector, Yeditepe University
Press Conference Photo Caption
From left to right: Umutcan Sürücü – Prof. Dr. Oğuz Bayat – Prof. Dr. Mehmet Durman – Yiğit Şen – Bedrettin Dalan – Prof. Dr. Ece Ceylan Baba – Nisa İpek Umur
ICAO Award Photo Caption
From left to right: Yiğit Şen – Umutcan Sürücü – Nisa İpek Umur – Mehmet Mert Tezcan – Mehmet Nurettin Geçkil