The 'Technological and Innovative Solutions in Water Competition', which was carried out by the Women in Technology Association together with its stakeholders, aimed to ensure equal and universal access to safe and accessible drinking water for everyone, and to improve cleaning and hygiene conditions. The competition was implemented to reduce water pollution, increase water quality by minimizing harmful chemical emissions, and encourage sustainable solutions. The competition, shaped by the technology and innovation-focused ideas of women entrepreneurs, stood out as an important step in building a sustainable and egalitarian future. Since its establishment, the Women in Technology Association has adopted the United Nations Development Goals as its principle and has been carrying out studies that touch on issues within these goals and prioritize women's leadership in technological initiatives in line with these principles. The concept of this competition was also developed under these principles in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, 'Clean Water and Sanitation' was realised with the theme.

The jury members of the competition included SOCAR Turkey Digital Transformation and Information Technologies President Akın Börekçi, Üsküdar University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean Deniz Ülke Kaynak, Decacorn Angels CEO Duygu Eren, Enerjisa Retail Sales Companies General Manager Ersin Esentürk, Koton Board Member Gülden Yılmaz, Solid Waste Pollution Research and Control Turkish National Committee President Prof. Dr. Günay Kocasoy, Women in Technology Association Board Vice President Hayriye Karadeniz, Turkey Water Institute President Prof. Dr. Lütfi Akça and Çimsa Human Resources and Sustainability Deputy General Manager Tuğba Çörtelekoğlu.

Winner of the 350 Thousand Lira Prize: Algbio

Turkey's women entrepreneurs competed with their projects offering technological solutions in the field of clean water and sanitation. Companies founded by women entrepreneurs took part in this competition organized by the Women in Technology Association. The winner of the competitive competition was Algbio. Algbio focuses on reducing industrial carbon dioxide emissions, preventing mucilage and cleaning 95 percent of wastewater and making it reusable with its patented algae technologies. The initiative, which produces biofuels, bioplastics and sustainable products with its innovative solutions, impressed the jury by integrating economic sustainability into the solution of environmental problems and was awarded the 350.000 TL prize.

"We Are Taking Strong Steps Towards a More Livable and Sustainable Future."

Zehra Öney, Founder of the Women in Technology Association, summarized the vision of the competition with the following words; “The Water Technological and Innovative Solutions Competition supports women’s leadership and paves the way for the development of innovative solutions for the protection and sustainable management of water resources. While 2,2 billion people worldwide do not have access to reliable clean water, 3,6 billion people lack adequate sanitation services. Moreover, it is predicted that more than half of the world’s population will face the risk of water scarcity by 2050. Our women engineers and entrepreneurs contribute not only to environmental problems but also to social and economic sustainability goals with the projects they develop. Mucilage is not only an environmental disaster; it is a crisis that threatens biodiversity and is a major warning in terms of the sustainability of water resources. Water is not an unlimited resource. We must use technology in the most effective way to manage it correctly and make it accessible and sustainable. Patented algae technologies in the world reduce industrial carbon dioxide emissions, contribute to the prevention of mucilage, and enable the reuse of wastewater by cleaning it by 95%. Our competition aims to promote exactly these kinds of technological and innovative solutions. This year, the first place winner in our competition, Algbio initiative and its founder Selen Şenal, stood out with their biotechnological solutions that reduce water pollution and support sustainable production. By promoting innovative and technology-focused solutions, we are taking strong steps for a more livable, fair and sustainable world, and we are very proud to be a part of these achievements.”

“Technology and Innovation Meet with Social Benefit”

Ersin Esentürk, Chairman of the Sustainability Board of the Women in Technology Association and General Manager of Enerjisa Retail Sales Companies; “Sustainable management of water resources is of critical importance not only for today but also for our future. The Water Technological and Innovative Solutions Competition is a part of our efforts to support women leaders in producing innovative solutions for access to clean water and wastewater management. At the same time, with this project, we emphasize how important it is to increase the place of women in business life and their influence in decision-making mechanisms. While bringing technology and innovation together with social benefit, we see the protection of our water resources as an obligation, not a responsibility. Because we know that sustainability and gender equality can only be possible by taking action together and taking bold steps. As the Chair of the Sustainability Board of the Women in Technology Association and also the General Manager of Enerjisa Retail Companies, which carries out sustainability-focused work, we value the support of the private sector to civil society organizations. I am happy to see the effects of this very successful and competitive competition and the sincere contributions of all supporters. We will come together in 2025 with the theme of ‘Clean Energy’ for the sustainability of this success.”

Algbio Founder Selen Senal, made the following statements about their achievements: “This award has once again shown that the solutions we develop with algae technology can create a strong impact both environmentally and economically. We aim to make a difference both locally and globally with our female-led team.”

Çimsa, Decacorn Angels, DFDS, Enerjisa Energy and SOCAR Türkiye The competition, which was held in collaboration with the Turkish Food and Agriculture Organization (FDA), encouraged innovative solutions in the field of clean water and sanitation and paved the way for the implementation of sustainable projects. This valuable collaboration has made significant contributions to the development of clean water and sanitation technologies in Turkey, becoming an effective step towards environmental sustainability and social benefit.

About the Association for Women in Technology

Association of Women in Technology, is a non-governmental organization that aims to increase the power of women who are few in number and unmotivated in the field of technology and innovation, to support sustainable solutions and to prioritize social benefit. The association contributes to the construction of a technology-focused ecosystem by developing projects that encourage women entrepreneurs and leaders.

Aiming to add value to society through education, mentoring, employment opportunities and sustainability-based projects, the Women in Technology Association supports women to be more visible and effective in the field of technology, while taking a leading role in building an egalitarian future.

Source: HORECA TREND and Algbio