The first Mini MBA Program, organized under the cooperation protocol signed between YTÜ and ASKON, has been completed. Certificates were presented to the business leaders who participated in the training sessions organized by the YTÜ Center for Continuing Education, Application, and Research by our Rector, Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik, and ASKON President Orhan Aydın.

The first outcome of the cooperation protocol signed between Yıldız Technical University and the Anatolian Lions Businessmen’s Association (ASKON) in October 2025 was the Mini MBA Program organized by YTÜ’s Center for Continuing Education, Application, and Research (SEM) for businesspeople. Certificates were presented to the program’s first graduates at a ceremony held at Otağ-ı Hümayun. Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik, invited the business community to collaborate with YTÜ, stating, “We must develop products not for today, but for 10 years from now.”

Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik: “Don’t view us merely as a workshop”

Recalling that Turkey’s most comprehensive Industrial Design and Prototyping Center (ETP)—launched in partnership with the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO)—had opened the day before with the participation of Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, Debik highlighted the importance of university-industry collaboration. Stating that certification programs must become sustainable, Debik emphasized that the primary goal is to produce value-added products, saying, “Universities should not be viewed merely as institutions that provide educational infrastructure. You should use us not just as a workshop, but also for R&D and to produce value-added products,” he said.

“We should be talking about 10 years from now, not just today”

Noting that the path to standing out in global competition lies in long-term R&D investments, Prof. Dr. Debik stated that the focus should be on the technologies of the future, not today. “We need to start discussing the products of 10 years from now right now. Otherwise, we’ll be treading water,” said Debik, adding that traditional marketing methods are no longer sufficient and that innovation-driven production will be the deciding factor in the new era.

“The goal should be high-value-added production”

Noting that the second phase of the Mini MBA Program should consist of R&D-focused collaborations, Debik pointed out that research processes take time but ultimately result in high-value-added products.

Stressing that steps to produce high-value-added products must be taken immediately, Debik said that the value of products can be increased through R&D collaboration. Debik stated that the path to enhancing Turkey’s competitive strength lies in developing technology.

“Use Our Laboratories”

Rector Debik noted that Yıldız Technical University’s laboratories and research infrastructure are open for use by the business community and invited industry representatives to develop more joint projects with the university. Highlighting the importance of more effective use of research centers across the country, Debik stated that university-industry collaboration must be strengthened through concrete R&D projects.

Debik thanked ASKON, the YTÜ Yıldız Technopark management, and YTÜ SEM Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kaan Ünlügençoğlu for their contributions to the program.

ASKON and YTÜ Strengthen Their Partnership

ASKON President Orhan Aydın also noted that they had signed an important cooperation protocol with Yıldız Technical University, stating that quality education has become more important than ever in the rapidly changing global competitive environment. He noted that the 48-hour Mini MBA Program centers on innovation and that they aim to expand similar programs.

“We want to continue these training programs through collaboration between the business world and the public sector,” said Aydın, emphasizing that businesspeople’s adaptation to a new generation of management philosophy is of great importance for Turkey’s economic development.

“University-industry collaboration is the key to development”

Orhan Aydın stated that they believe in the critical role of university-industry collaboration in Turkey’s development, noting that the Mini MBA Program serves as an important platform where knowledge and capital converge. Aydın emphasized that ASKON will continue to support educational initiatives that meet the business world’s need for qualified human resources, adding that such strategic collaborations will be further expanded.

Following the speeches, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik, and ASKON President Orhan Aydın presented certificates to the business leaders who completed the program.

The Mini MBA Program aims to lay the groundwork for lasting partnerships that bring together the university, industry, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem, going beyond mere educational activities.