ANT Systems, one of the tangible outcomes of Sabancı University’s research and entrepreneurship ecosystem, has brought nanomaterial technology from the laboratory to industrial-scale production. Developed through nearly 15 years of scientific research at Sabancı University’s Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, the company’s flagship product NANOTERN is now being mass-produced at a facility with an annual capacity of 3,000 tons.
NANOTERN is a biodegradable nanomaterial designed to help soil retain water for longer periods and release it back to plants in a controlled manner when needed. The technology can absorb water up to 1,800 times its own weight, reduce irrigation water consumption by up to 50%, and increase agricultural productivity by up to 25%.
Strong Participation from Public Institutions, Academia and Industry
The opening ceremony of the facility, held on 16 May, brought together representatives from public institutions, academia, industry stakeholders and international guests.
Participants included Prof. Dr. Vahit Kirişci, Chair of the Turkish Grand National Assembly’s Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Affairs Committee; Güler Sabancı, Founding Chair of the Sabancı University Board of Trustees; Dr. Ahmet Abdullah Antalyalı, President of the Agriculture and Rural Development Support Institution; and Prof. Dr. Yusuf Leblebici, President of Sabancı University.
Sabancı University President Prof. Dr. Yusuf Leblebici described ANT Systems as a strong outcome of the university’s vision for research, entrepreneurship and social impact. He emphasized the importance of transforming scientific knowledge developed within the university into economic and social value.
A Nanotechnology Solution for Water Stress and Agricultural Efficiency
Prof. Dr. Yusuf Ziya Menceloğlu, Faculty Member at Sabancı University’s Materials Science and Nanoengineering Program, Chair of the Board and CTO of ANT Systems, highlighted the growing importance of sustainability, water scarcity and post-harvest protection.
Menceloğlu noted that agriculture faces multiple challenges, including water scarcity, pesticide-related issues and post-harvest storage problems. He also stated that food loss in Türkiye corresponds to nearly 5% of the country’s gross national product, underlining the need for advanced technologies in food preservation and post-harvest protection.
According to Menceloğlu, nanotechnology products offer more effective results with less material use, making them increasingly relevant for sustainable agriculture and resource efficiency.
From Laboratory Research to Industrial-Scale Production in Türkiye
NANOTERN also improves the effectiveness of fertilizers and agricultural inputs, helping reduce production costs. The product is currently used not only in Türkiye but also in the United States, South America, Gulf countries and Africa.
While nanomaterial technologies remain at the laboratory stage in many developed countries, ANT Systems’ technology has been field-validated in Türkiye and made ready for industrial-scale production under the leadership of Sabancı University.
