Duygu Geçkin's Natural Pigment Startup Wins Creative Business Cup, Heads to Denmark Finals

Research associate Duygu Geçkin of İzmir University of Economics founded Chroma Naturals, a venture that converts fruit and vegetable waste into natural pigments for the cosmetics industry. The project, which employs green extraction, freeze‑drying and micro‑encapsulation techniques and received TÜBİTAK support, won the Creative Business Cup Turkey 2026, earning the right to represent Turkey at the world finals in Copenhagen, Denmark on 26‑27 August.

The competition, organized by the university’s Creative Economy Research Center in partnership with İzmir Development Agency, featured a jury of academics and industry experts. Geçkin’s win highlights a push for sustainable, non‑petroleum and non‑animal colourants and positions the startup for international exposure and business partnerships.