Smart Hungary 2.0 Exhibition Held at Yıldız Technical University
Yıldız Technical University hosted the ‘Smart Hungary 2.0’ exhibition showcasing the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of Hungary between May 13 and June 2, 2025. Opened at 11:00 AM at the entrance hall of the Rectorate Building, the exhibition brought together smart solutions and products developed by Hungarian innovators and entrepreneurs that addressed global challenges through local perspectives.
The opening ceremony of Smart Hungary 2.0 was attended by Dr. Attila Pintér, Consul General of Hungary in Istanbul; Áron Sipos, Director of the Hungarian Cultural Center; Gergő Kovács, Deputy Director; Anna Tamás, Hungary’s Trade Attaché; Prof. Dr. Vatan Karakaya, Vice-Rector of YTU; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammet Garip, General Manager of YTU Yıldız Technopark.
Held in the ground floor corridor of the YTU Rectorate Building, the exhibition aimed to showcase how local dynamics and perspectives could respond to global challenges. It was interpreted as a unique reflection of how Hungarian designers and businesses possess deep insight not only into the most developed regions of the world but also into contexts where resources are limited and innovation demands alternative approaches.
The Many Faces of "Smart"
The selected products on display represented the wide scope of the "smart" concept in today’s world. Some utilized cutting-edge data science and design for advanced applications, while others adapted these tools to upgrade or modernize older technologies. A number of projects combined low-tech, resource-efficient methods to provide scalable, cost-effective solutions to critical environmental and social challenges. What united all the projects was their high added value through design, process, or service, and their large-scale approach that transcended the boundaries of nations, industries, or social groups to address the core issues of our time.
The Exhibition Explored Four Key Areas:
Buildings and Homes
This section, focusing on the built environment, featured innovative products such as the brand-independent smart home system by Chameleon Smart Home, solar-heated glass by Rákosy-Glass, and the catalytic brick developed by Szeged University.
Cities and Mobility
Systemic-scale solutions were presented, including Biopolus Institute’s ecological compact water treatment plants, GAMAX’s AI-supported urban data collection platform, and Volteum’s electric fleet management software.
Agriculture and Industry
Highlights included Losonczi Innovation’s automated production technology measurement tool, MachineryGuide’s robot steering system for agricultural tractors, and WaterScope’s smart buoy for water quality monitoring.
Health and Lifestyle
Personal health solutions such as Huple Trade’s medical device for balance therapy, NORTComplex’s sports equipment to improve attention and skills, and Alpha Femtech’s wearable technology for menstrual pain relief were showcased.
This curated selection aimed to inspire new ideas and collaborations.
From Past to Present: The Journey of Hungarian Innovation
The Smart Hungary exhibition was originally developed by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office for the World Science Forum held in Budapest in 2015, where it gained international acclaim. The exhibition highlighted success stories from Hungary’s innovation legacy to today’s emerging trends, featuring internationally renowned Hungarian scientists and their modern counterparts. It drew parallels between innovations such as Ignác Semmelweis’ chlorinated lime solution for hand hygiene and today’s handheld scanning technologies; or László Bíró’s invention of the ballpoint pen and Leonar3do’s integrated virtual reality tools. Although decades or even centuries separated these inventors, their shared innovative spirit and passion for creating new solutions closely linked them.
All innovation and technology enthusiasts were invited to explore this special exhibition, held at Yıldız Technical University from May 13 to June 2, 2025.
