Biodesign Challenge · 2019
Juror and panelist at the New York summit held at MoMA and Parsons School of Design, representing ORTA’s contribution to bioinspired textile processes.
SourceAbout
An independent
perspective.
SUA Consulting is the independent advisory practice of Dr. Sedef Uncu Akı, connecting business, innovation and sustainability to turn complex challenges into new opportunities. With more than 25 years of global experience, her background includes senior leadership roles at ORTA and Bossa. A PhD in Textile Technology & Management, three published book chapters and one forthcoming chapter connect this industrial experience with research.
Dr. Sedef Uncu AkıStrategy · Innovation · Sustainability
Meet Dr. Sedef Uncu Akı
Science, strategy
and commercial reality.
A career at the intersection of science, strategy and commercial reality, spanning large-scale manufacturing and a deep-tech biomaterials startup. A perspective that connects the bigger picture with decisions that create change.
Sustainability is a decision and design principle, shaping better products, stronger businesses and more resilient systems.
Start a conversationJuries, teaching & mentoring
COLIN’S Denim Fikrim · 2022
Jury member for the sustainable denim design competition for fashion and textile design students.
Source
Vakko ESMOD Istanbul
Jury member evaluating second-year Fashion Design and Creation students’ ORTA-sponsored Casualwear projects.
SourceTeaching & industry mentoring
Guest lectures at Istanbul Technical University and Çukurova University; mentoring R&D professionals pursuing graduate degrees, with thesis topics connected to industrial research.
Research & education
Research connects innovation, commercialization, investment decisions and life-cycle assessment. Current work in preparation explores differences between denim LCA studies and the integration gap between pilot and commercial production.
PhD · North Carolina State University · 2003
Textile Technology & Management, with a minor in Industrial Engineering. Research on international investment and plant location decisions.
Engineering & business
MSc in Textile Engineering, Istanbul Technical University (2001); MBA, Boğaziçi University (2000); BSc in Textile Engineering, Istanbul Technical University (1998).
Google Scholar
Academic publications and research profile.
SourceORCID
Researcher identifier: 0009-0009-8513-5927.
SourceIndustry recognition
Rivet 50 · 2020, 2021
Named among the denim industry’s influential leaders.
SourceWeAr Denim · 2023
Featured in WeAr Denim’s industry leaders list.
SourceTEDx · 2026
Invited speaker at TEDxAçı High School, Istanbul.
Watch the talk