Deniz Karaşahin, Lecturer at Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Department of Industrial Design, and a 2008 graduate of the University, brought his passion for sea into technology production. Karaşahin, won a total of 100 thousand TL “Techno-Initiative Capital Support Program” grant which was awarded by the Ministry of Industry, Science, and Technology, to develop autopilot systems that Turkey imports for sailboats. The systems are on sale for extremely high prices and their replacement parts are not available in Turkey. Karaşahin, who started his project to develop these systems in Turkey, is moving the technology demanded by the sector to a whole new level with his designs.
Karaşahin, who is also a founding member of Güney Ege Sailing Club, detected the shortcomings of sailing which he started as a hobby at the age of 9, and he decided that Turkey should have its own technology in the sector. Karaşahin, who was awarded the 100 thousand TL grant for one year to focus his studies on developing technological products, also was the winner of gold and silver medals in 2012 and 2013 at A’ Design Award competition, which is considered to be the most comprehensive and prestigious design competition of the European Union.
Karaşahin, who indicated that the Ministry supported the young entrepreneurs in order for them to develop the technology that is not present in Turkey, said, “The Ministry supports the entrepreneurs who aim to develop a new technology in Turkey, or new technological products not being produced in Turkey within 5 years after they complete their undergraduate studies. By doing this, they prove that, new technological products can also be produced in Turkey, even at more affordable prices.”
Karaşahin, also stated that boat construction sector in Turkey was very good, however, many of the products had to be imported. He said that, his project will make up for a brand name and design shortage in autopilot production in Turkey. He said that even though there was a big market in Turkey, high prices were paid and there was not a service network. Karaşahin said that Turkey would have its own autopilot product in sailing boats very soon.
Deniz Karaşahin, one of the first graduates of IUE Department of Industrial Design, is lecturing the young designers at the department after his experiences and accomplishments in the sector, and succeeds in many projects with his Deniz Karaşahin Industrial Design Company in the sector.
What is Autopilot?
An autopilot is a system used to guide a vehicle without assistance from a person by using mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
