Our Next-Generation Technology and Entrepreneurship Model
Presented by Prof. Dr. Oğuz Bayat, Vice Rector for R&D and Innovation at Yeditepe University
As Yeditepe University, we believe that the knowledge produced at our university should not remain confined within academic boundaries, but should transform into value that finds real-world application and touches people and society. With this understanding, we have established a comprehensive structure, thoughtfully designed from end to end, encompassing the journey from the emergence of an idea to its transformation into a product, company formation, investment acquisition, and expansion into international markets. By bringing academic knowledge together with an entrepreneurial culture, we aim to ensure that knowledge turns into lasting and tangible benefit.
A Holistic Structure Operating Across Two Integrated Domains
The established system consists of two complementary and continuously interacting physical domains: on-campus workspaces and the Technology Hub located within Teknopark Istanbul. While the on-campus areas focus on idea generation and the pre-incubation process, the centers at Teknopark Istanbul cover commercialization, R&D, and scaling phases. A natural and sustainable transition mechanism has been created between these two domains.
From Ideas on Campus: IdeaLab
Representing the first stage on campus, IdeaLab is positioned as an idea laboratory where the pre-incubation process is carried out. Located at the entrance of the campus, this space brings together students, academics, and external entrepreneurs, who work collaboratively to mature ideas that have not yet been incorporated but demonstrate strong potential. The objective of IdeaLab is to clarify ideas, form teams, and work on initial prototypes and business models, with the company formation process beginning at the next stage.
Research, Commercialization, and Scaling at the Technology Hub
Once ideas mature, projects are transferred to the Technology Hub at Teknopark Istanbul, where they continue their development. Three different centers located on the same floor together form an integrated structure that supports both the research and commercialization dimensions of this process.
AI for Industry Research Center
The AI for Industry Research Center operates in partnership with Fraunhofer Germany and conducts artificial intelligence–focused studies for industry. Through projects developed via academia–industry collaboration, international partnerships are established and corporate R&D activities are carried out. The official opening of the center will take place in March with the participation of our international partners and high-level guests.
Venture Studio: The Venture Building Model
Located within the Technology Hub, the Venture Studio is structured in line with the venture building approach that is increasingly adopted worldwide, differing from traditional incubation models. Under the Venture Studio umbrella, students, academics, industry representatives, and investors come together within a single structure; ideas are transformed into companies, products are commercialized, and ventures are prepared for entry into international markets. This structure is open not only to the university community but also to external stakeholders. At the end of an average twelve-month process, companies graduate from the program and their development continues to be closely monitored.
Sustainability-Focused Initiatives: The Decarbonization Center
The third structure within the Technology Hub, the Decarbonization Center, conducts project-based studies and operates within the scope of a TUBITAK project supported by ISKA. The center aims to develop sustainable solutions in the areas of carbon footprint, energy, and industrial transformation.
350 Active Projects and Tangible Outcomes
Within this established structure, approximately 350 active projects are currently being carried out simultaneously. These projects include initiatives developed by students and academics as well as collaborations with external stakeholders, and are supported by TUBITAK, the European Union, the private sector, and international funding sources. What often begins with small-scale funding gradually evolves into larger investments and commercialization stages. The process is not limited to generating potential; it is also reflected in tangible outcomes such as achievements in Teknofest and international competitions, as well as startups showcased at national and international technology fairs such as Take Off and securing investment.
National Impact Through the TUBITAK BIGG Program
One of the key components of the ecosystem is the TUBITAK BIGG Program. Within the framework of the consortium formed by Yeditepe University, Medipol University, and Kultur University, entrepreneurship projects from across Turkey are evaluated through this program. Selected projects receive funding ranging from TRY 1 million to TRY 1.5 million, and funded ventures may continue their activities on campus, at Teknopark Istanbul, or within the Venture Studio.
Long-Term Vision: Sustainable and International Impact
As Yeditepe University, our vision is to ensure that the knowledge produced at the university converges with entrepreneurship, technology, and industry to create a lasting, transformative impact that transcends borders.
Bringing together the potential of young people, academics, and entrepreneurs around a shared vision for the future, this approach continues to advance with determination as a sustainable model that shapes Turkey’s technology journey, gains strength at the national level, and resonates internationally.