Tulin Akin

Co-Founder

Tülin Akin is a prominent figure in the field of agricultural technology and social entrepreneurship in Turkey. She is the co-founder of Tabit Akıllı Tarım Teknolojileri A.Ş., a pioneering company that focuses on integrating technology with agriculture to enhance productivity and improve the livelihoods of farmers.

Background and Education

Tülin Akin launched her first venture, tarimsalpazarlama.com, while still a student at Akdeniz University, where she studied Agricultural Marketing. This platform became Turkey's first communication, e-learning, and e-commerce site specifically designed for the agricultural sector. Her efforts have significantly impacted farmers by providing essential information on crops, weather, and market prices through innovative SMS services and mobile applications.1 3 5

Innovations and Contributions

Akin has made substantial contributions to modernizing agriculture in Turkey:

Smart Village Concept: She conceptualized the world's first technology-based smart village, aimed at enhancing agricultural efficiency through the use of communication and information technologies.1 2
Vodafone Farmers’ Club: In partnership with Vodafone, she established this initiative to provide early warning notifications and services to over 1.4 million farmers and their families.3 5
Farmer Credit Card: Akin developed a model for a credit card tailored for farmers, facilitating easier access to financing without adverse financial consequences.3 5

Recognition

Her work has garnered international recognition:

Awarded the Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year.
Nominated for the Nobel Prize in Peace for her contributions to improving rural life and agriculture.
Selected as an Ashoka Fellow in 2012 for her innovative approaches to social entrepreneurship.1 2 5

Impact

Through her initiatives, Tülin Akin has reached approximately 1.5 million farmers in Turkey and expanded her impact to millions more across Africa and Asia. Her vision continues to drive advancements in sustainable agricultural practices, aiming to empower farmers with technology that enhances productivity while addressing challenges posed by climate change.3 4 5