Within the scope of the FDE426 Food Product and Factory Design course conducted annually by the METU Food Engineering Department, a comprehensive event was organized where students would share the projects they developed throughout the semester. This year, the projects developed within the scope of the course, conducted by Prof. Dr. Hami Alpas and with the contributions of assistants Ozan Taş and Esma İlhan, met with the participants in the METU Culture and Congress Center Foyer Area between 10:00 and 17:00 on Monday, May 12, 2025.

The event, organized in cooperation with the METU Food Engineering Department and the Food, Beverage and Agricultural Policy Research Center (GIFT), showcased the innovative and original projects developed by the students throughout the semester. GIFT Food Plus Award applicants mentored the students and directly contributed to the projects in the development of these projects. Panels were held throughout the event where students participated; products of innovative brands and industry representatives were also present in the foyer area.

In this event that strengthens university-industry collaboration, 12 different projects prepared under the mentorship of 12 different companies were brought together with university members, sector representatives and visitors. A comprehensive event was held with the participation of over 2000 people.

This year, a special category was opened for students for the first time in the Food Plus Awards organized by GIFT. Within the scope of this new category, which aims to support the entrepreneurial spirit, the products developed by the students will be evaluated by the Food Plus Awards jury. The winning group will be announced at the ceremony to be held on October 14, 2025.