Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik, Rector of Yıldız Technical University and Chairman of the Board of Directors of YTÜ Yıldız Technopark, met with our technopark companies as part of the Yıldız Tech Meetings. During the meeting, which also addressed preparations for COP31 to be held in Antalya in November, strategies for strengthening university-industry collaborations and YTÜ’s new infrastructure developments and international expansion strategies were discussed.

The “Yıldız Tech Meetings – Hardware Technologies” event brought together approximately 40 technology companies operating within YTÜ Yıldız Technopark at a breakfast meeting held at the YTÜ Academic Lounge. At the meeting, topics including preparations for COP31, university-industry collaborations, technology infrastructure, and international project opportunities were discussed. Company representatives had the opportunity to introduce their areas of activity and explore potential collaboration opportunities with one another. 

"COP31 Is Not Just an Expo—It’s a Whole New World"

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik, noted that COP31, to be held in Antalya in November, offers significant opportunities for technology companies, stating, “COP31 is not just a trade show to visit. Those who attend approach it with the mindset of ‘What can I buy, and with which technology can I collaborate?’ That’s why we absolutely must be there,” he said.

Debik announced that YTÜ Yıldız Technopark has rented a booth as part of COP31 and said that the startups participating in the event will be selected from companies working in the fields of climate technologies, carbon capture, electrification, and sustainability. Prof. Dr. Debik said, “Our goal is not merely to promote our technology park; it is to enable our country’s technology-producing companies to enter international markets. If one of our companies can sell products to global giants, the winner will not be just that company—it will be Turkey.”

ETP’s doors are open to technology companies

During the meeting, Debik also provided information about Turkey’s most comprehensive Industrial Design and Prototyping Center (ETP), launched in collaboration with the Istanbul Chamber of Industry, noting that the center offers a vital infrastructure for startups developing hardware.

"ETP is one of Turkey’s largest and most advanced prototyping centers. It was established with an investment of approximately 5 million euros. We have a wide range of advanced technology infrastructure, from 5-axis CNC machines to steel 3D printers. This center is open not only to the university but also to industry,” Debik said, emphasizing that more effective use of the center would strengthen university-industry collaboration.

Noting that new collaborations are ongoing with the Istanbul Chamber of Industry, organized industrial zones, and other stakeholders in this context, Debik said, “A product should become obsolete through use, not by sitting on store shelves. I believe that laboratories and centers established with public funds should serve the industry.”

A Domestic Certification Model Is Being Developed with Green Stars

The GREEN STARS Certification Program, developed by YTÜ academics, was also introduced at the event. It was noted that the program—which is currently undergoing the international accreditation process—aims to establish a national certification model for verifying sustainability reports.

Prof. Dr. Debik said, “We are creating Turkey’s own sustainability certification program. Nearly all of the certifications we use today come from foreign sources. Once Green Stars’ international accreditation is complete, we will fill a significant gap in this area.”

Collaborations Will Accelerate with the AI-Powered Platform

During the meeting, it was announced that with YTÜ Yıldız Technopark’s new AI-powered platform, Starboard AI, companies will be able to more quickly access the technology, solution partners, and academics they need.

Prof. Dr. Debik said, “We often encounter examples where two companies operating in the same technology park are unaware of each other’s existence. Starboard will enable our companies to find one another, the solution partners they need, and expert academics at the university much more quickly.”

Emphasis on International Projects and Global Expansion

The meeting also highlighted contracted R&D projects, support provided by the Technology Transfer Office, national and international funding programs, YTÜ Yıldız Technopark offices operating in London, Dubai, Amsterdam, and Skopje, and the newly established Yıldız Techno Venture Capital Investment Fund (GSYF).

It was noted that efforts are ongoing to help technology companies expand into international markets, make more effective use of global funding sources—particularly those of the European Union—and strengthen university-industry collaboration.