From Idea to the F-35: The Journey of a Turkish Inventor Inspires Young Minds
Turkish inventor, engineer, and businessman Ergün Kırlıkovalı, creator of the polymers that make American F-35 jets invisible, met with students at Yeditepe University during the opening lecture, “
Groundbreaking Work Begins with a Single Idea.
”Kırlıkovalı, drawing much student interest, shared how he developed F-35 stealth polymers and stressed that “a single idea can change the world.” “R&D never stops, because you never know what tomorrow will bring. We are currently working on six new materials,” he said.
As Founder and President of Integrated Polymer Industries Inc., Kırlıkovalı shared perspectives on creativity, innovation, and lifelong learning with the audience..
“Great Achievements Come Through Experience”
In his opening remarks, Yeditepe University Founder and Honorary President Bedrettin Dalan said: “I wish everyone a successful academic year. Great achievements are accomplished through experience. But remember that experience is the sum of all the mistakes you make throughout your life. A wise person benefits from the experiences of others who have made mistakes and learned from them.”
“Our Success with the B-2s Paved the Way for the F-35 Project”
Kırlıkovalı explained how his company became part of the F-35 program:“Our success with the B-2 bombers led us to the F-35 project. We were invited to bid and asked to provide materials. We believed in ourselves and worked hard for six months. After tough testing phases, we became sole supplier in 2006 and have stayed in that role for 19 years.”
“After Six Months of Hard Work, We Developed a Prototype Material”
“I was invited to the tender, competing against major companies, but I entered alone. The material needed was complex and highly elastic. Many withdrew due to the challenge. After six months, we produced a prototype. Blind tests proved ours was best. These tests took 3.5 to 4 years. Since 1992, for over 30 years, we have supplied the B-2 aircraft,” he said.
“R&D Should Never Stop”
Highlighting the importance of research and development, Kırlıkovalı said:“R&D never stops because the future is uncertain. We read many scientific journals to keep up. Sometimes we ask for data to explore new ideas. We work continuously to improve materials. Right now, we are developing six new ones; three are near market. Once you succeed, you cannot rest. Thousands are working to surpass you. Therefore, R&D must never stop.”
“We Need to Open Paths for Young People”
Offering advice to students, Kırlıkovalı said:“We must actively create opportunities for young people by providing spaces to think, experiment, and make mistakes. I encourage you to seek out and take advantage of new laboratories and research environments. Only by experimenting, innovating, and learning from mistakes can you truly succeed. Take initiative and use every opportunity to push boundaries.”
“Ideas Will Unlock the Door to Innovation”
Discussing the link between creativity and innovation, Kırlıkovalı explained:“We see creativity as finding ideas and innovation as doing something with them. That’s where real work starts. I developed a seven-step system. Two or three steps are familiar; three or four are new. First, scan the past, present, and future. Then go into the innovation phase, supported by tests and design work.We also use the ‘system of opposites.’ I have about 40 contrasts—big–small, light–dark, much–little, and others. These contrasts spark brainstorming. Even if most ideas are lost, the rest can lead to innovation.
“At University, You Learn How to Learn”
Kırlıkovalı continued:“I always tell young people this: at university, you are learning how to learn. Don't assume that graduation means you know everything. The real world will quickly show you there is always more to learn. I urge you to continue learning, maintain discipline, imagine new possibilities, and passionately pursue your dreams. Always improve yourself, and make effective use of resources like artificial intelligence and the internet. Take deliberate steps to actively seek growth.”
“Use Your Language Well”
Emphasizing the importance of communication, Kırlıkovalı said:“Use your language beautifully. Do not waste your own time or anyone else’s. Make it a habit to speak Turkish correctly and clearly, and express yourself precisely and effectively. Strive to say more with fewer words. Make a dedicated effort to master English to access global information, and, if you can, learn other languages as well. Take concrete steps to improve your communication and language skills for your future success.”.