Hasan Kalyoncu University (HKÜ), Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ), and Gebze Technical University (GTÜ) partnership, led by Yildiz Technical University (YTÜ) and co-financed by the European Union and the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the Steering Committee Meeting of the “Smart Network for Technology Transfer and Commercialization with Funnel Model (SMARTNET)” Technical Assistance Project was hosted by Hasan Kalyoncu University.

The meeting, which aimed to accelerate technology transfer and commercialization, support innovative entrepreneurs, and encourage the launch of innovative products, as well as discuss strategic views and collaboration opportunities, was attended by YTÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Yılmaz, HKÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Türkay Dereli, ITÜ Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Deniz, and Gebze Technical University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hasari Çelebi. Representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Technology and officials from YTÜ Yıldız Teknopark, Gaziantep OSB Teknokent, 1773 ITÜ Teknopark, and HKÜ Technology Transfer Office also participated.

LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE SMARTNET PROJECT IN GAZIANTEP

Speaking at the meeting, HKÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Türkay Dereli expressed their happiness to be a part of the project aiming to play a leading role in Turkey’s digital and technological transformation and to host the steering committee meeting. Dereli stated, “The foundations of the SMARTNET project were laid years ago at our university in Gaziantep. As HKÜ, we are working with all our might for the success of this project, which we believe will contribute greatly to the entrepreneurship ecosystem of our country and Europe. SMARTNET will offer significant opportunities to entrepreneurs. Within the scope of the project, the developed network will facilitate the meeting of entrepreneurs with qualified funds.”

TURKEY WILL BE AMONG THE NETWORK OF 23 UNIVERSITIES

YTÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Yılmaz, who opened the steering committee meeting where the project activities were evaluated, emphasized the successful results achieved since the beginning of the project. Yılmaz highlighted the project’s significant networking feature and its potential to create important opportunities for start-up companies to open up to Europe and the world by bringing them together with the funnel model. Yılmaz announced that, as a result of the meetings held, currently, 23 universities from Turkey will be part of the relevant network.

ITÜ Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Deniz expressed their excitement to actively participate in the SMARTNET project, which is a strategic and innovative network project.