In today’s world, where technology is rapidly integrated into every aspect of life, it is essential that young people are not only consumers of technology, but also individuals who create, question, and develop it. The “MEB Design and Develop” Robot Competition, launched by the Ministry of National Education, provides a strong platform that brings students together with design, engineering, and innovative thinking in line with this vision. This year’s competition, held with the theme “Istanbul and Water,” invited young people to think both in terms of environmental awareness and technological production. Participating teams developed robot projects that focus on the critical importance of water for life, create sustainable solutions, and combine Istanbul’s cultural heritage with technology. Students had the opportunity to transform their ideas into tangible products by programming and making the systems they designed functional. “MEB Design and Develop” is more than just a competition; it creates a multidimensional learning and experience space for students. This process, which combines the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through the STEM approach, enables the application of theoretical knowledge to real-life problems. At the same time, it significantly contributes to the development of 21st-century skills such as teamwork, communication, time management, and strategic thinking.
To support the competition process, a comprehensive seminar event was held on Thursday, December 25, 2025, hosted by Özdisan Electronics for the participating teams. During this event, students were provided with foundational knowledge in the fields of electronics, software, and mechanical design, while technical points to be considered during the project development process were discussed through practical examples. Özdisan Electronics plays a key role as an important stakeholder in the technological journey of young people through its technical support, contributions of electronic components, and a guiding approach throughout the competition. The company’s core approach in this process is to contribute to the development of young people as individuals who design, question, and create, rather than settling for ready-made solutions.
Today, the projects developed under the “MEB Design and Develop” umbrella inspire tomorrow’s smart city solutions, environmentally friendly technologies, and engineering applications. The reinterpretation of Istanbul’s historical connection with water through technology, combined with the imagination of young people, transforms into projects that look toward the future with hope.
