Assistant Prof. Aslı Zuluğ at Özyeğin University wins “The Most Innovative Start-Up” Award with PACHA Venture

Assistant Prof. Aslı Zuluğ from the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts at Özyeğin University won “The Most Innovative Food Start-Up” award in recognition of her PACHA Natural Collagen and Protein Products during the 2nd Agriculture, Food and Gastronomy Innovation Summit organized by the Food, Beverages and Agricultural Policies Research Center (GIFT). Assistant Prof. Zuluğ also qualified to be among the top three finalists in both “The Most Innovative Functional Food” and “The Best Product for Children” categories.

Özyeğin University extends a broad range of entrepreneurship opportunities not just to its students but also its faculty in line with its motto “The Venture of Your Life”. Started as in 2019 a TÜBİTAK research project, PACHA Natural Collagen and Protein Products stands as a great testimony of Özyeğin University's staunch commitment to academic entrepreneurship.

Over subsequent years, PACHA Natural Collagen and Protein Products evolved into a thriving enterprise, honored with prestigious accolades such as the Royal Academy and Teknofest – Takeoff awards. During this period, the venture continued to grow steadily, broadening its product line to include healthy snack options like chips, granola, and crackers while increasing its production capacity. The venture has reached over 200 sales points across Türkiye with its PACHA and Cracolla brands, and its products have been made available in all digital channels and marketplaces. In 2023, PACHA products embarked on a global journey, reaching diverse consumer bases across the world.

For more about PACHA products:
https://pachacips.com/