Top Turkish Women in Innovation Recognized by KADEM
The 8th Women in Innovation Camp, organized by the Women and Democracy Foundation (KADEM), celebrated its participants at a special ceremony in Istanbul. KADEM’s initiatives supporting women’s entrepreneurship and advocacy for women’s rights were highlighted, showcasing the foundation’s commitment to empowering women.
KADEM’s Chairperson, Sümeyye Erdoğan Bayraktar, stressed the importance of creating a supportive environment for female entrepreneurs, viewing women’s entrepreneurship as vital for Türkiye’s future. She also condemned Israel’s actions in Palestine and connected this to Türkiye’s advancements in technology under the National Technology Initiative.
Bayraktar shared the success of the Women in Innovation Program, with over 2,700 applicants and 235 women receiving entrepreneurial training. Of the 42 women awarded, 14 have launched successful businesses, becoming key players in the economy. The top award this year went to a cyber defense project, highlighting the innovation and impact of the presented projects.
The ceremony also recognized the winners in the pre-incubation and incubation categories. First place in pre-incubation went to a project focusing on drone threat detection and neutralization, while the incubation category awarded first place to a project capturing carbon dioxide for agricultural productivity.
In his address, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül emphasized the equal importance of women in Anatolian culture and credited President Erdoğan for advancing women’s rights. He highlighted the crucial role of civil society organizations like KADEM in promoting women’s participation in all areas of life.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology, Zekeriya Coştu, commended KADEM for fostering women’s entrepreneurship and integrating women into technology and innovation ecosystems. He mentioned the ministry’s support for broader entrepreneurship efforts and the development of Türkiye’s technology ecosystem.
Overall, the event showcased the dedication to supporting women’s entrepreneurship and innovation, paving the way for a more inclusive and competitive future in Türkiye.
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Sofia Martins graduated from the Technical University of Madrid with a degree in Agronomy, focusing on plant nutrition and soil science. She has a deep interest in sustainable fertilizer management and works to develop eco-friendly solutions that optimize plant growth while minimizing nutrient runoff. Sofia is a dedicated researcher and has published several articles on sustainable plant nutrition practices.