The KFLROV team, formed by nine students from Osman Ulubaş Science and Technology High School in Kayseri, won first place in the Unmanned Underwater Systems competition at TEKNOFEST 2026 with the underwater vehicle they developed.
As the aviation, space and technology festival TEKNOFEST continues at Şanlıurfa GAP Airport, team members are showcasing their award-winning vehicle to visitors.
Students describe their championship experience
Team supervisor Hatice Çağlıkecicigil said they did not initially aim to win the championship when they entered the underwater category of the competition with the students. Çağlıkecicigil said their goal throughout the process was for the students to gain new knowledge, adding that they worked together to take part in competitions and ultimately achieved first place.
Çağlıkecicigil said the TEKNOFEST competition gave the students an opportunity to gain experience and enjoy the excitement of competing. Saying she was excited when she thought about what the students would accomplish in the future, Çağlıkecicigil said she hoped the team would serve as an example for younger students and contribute to the development of the country’s next generation.
Underwater vehicle consists of two sections
Team member Tuna Çarpanali explained that the vehicle they developed consists of two sections called “Anarov” and “Minirov.” Çarpanali said Anarov is the main vehicle that communicates with the surface, while Minirov is used for small exploration missions underwater.
Çarpanali said their next goal was to share the experience they had gained with the school’s new students and take part in new competitions with them. Team members Mert Arslan and Ayşe Reyhan Gengeç also said winning first place at TEKNOFEST and taking part in the competition was a source of pride for them.
