The IEEE CASMarine Team from Yıldız Technical University, which returned from the TAC Challenge held in Norway with a third-place finish, visited our Rector, Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik. The students described their journey from sixth place to third place in the world and shared the new goals for the next phase of Velaryon 2.0, the artificial intelligence-powered autonomous underwater vehicle they developed.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik, welcomed the Yıldız Technical University IEEE CASMarine Team to his office following their international success. Our team, which placed third in the world at the TAC Challenge held in Norway, shared details about the competition process, the technologies they developed, and their goals for the coming period. 

From 6th Place to 3rd Place in the World

During the meeting, our students provided detailed information about the development work they are conducting with the goal of winning first place worldwide and stated that the team’s new goal is to secure first place on the international stage. 

Autonomous Underwater Technology with Velaryon 2.0

The focus of the visit was Velaryon 2.0, an AI-powered autonomous underwater vehicle developed by the IEEE CASMarine Team. Developed with the contributions of 40 students from 11 different departments at YTÜ, the vehicle has a local content rate of approximately 80 percent.

Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik received information from the students regarding the design and production processes of Velaryon 2.0, as well as its areas of application. Capable of moving in six axes with its eight motors, the vehicle can perform autonomous tasks thanks to image processing algorithms.

During the meeting, the features planned for Velaryon 2.0’s development in the coming period and the team’s technology development goals were also discussed.

The Excitement of the Finals at TEKNOFEST 2026

In addition to its international success, the IEEE CASMarine Team is continuing its preparations for TEKNOFEST 2026. The team advanced to the finals by successfully completing the watertightness and maneuverability video phase as part of the TEKNOFEST 2026 Unmanned Underwater Systems Competition.

During the visit, the students also shared their work and preparations leading up to the TEKNOFEST finals with Rector Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik and provided information about their goals for the competition.

A Message of Support from Rector Debik to the Students

Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik congratulated the students of the IEEE CASMarine Team on their international achievements. Noting that the team’s third-place finish in the world was a significant accomplishment, Prof. Dr. Debik stated that the university would continue to support the students in their efforts to win first place in the world and advance to the TEKNOFEST finals.