A Signature Bringing Industry and University Together: BİYOSAD and Gebze Technical University Join Forces

A "Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation" was signed between the Biotechnology Industrialists Association (BİYOSAD), which brought to life Turkey's new science and technology hub, the Technology Valley, and Gebze Technical University . The protocol initiates a strong partnership based on the sharing of knowledge, human resources, and technology.

A Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation was signed between the Biotechnology Industrialists Association (BİYOSAD), which is implementing the Technology Valley – a new science and technology hub that will increase Turkey's competitiveness in the global market in the field of biotechnology – and Gebze Technical University, bringing together industry and academia. The protocol was signed by Gebze Technical University Rector Prof. Dr. Hacı Ali Mantar and Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş, Chairman of the Biotechnology Industrialists Association (BİYOSAD) and the Biotechnology Specialized Organized Industrial Zone (BİOSB) Board of Directors. The protocol, signed at the 2nd International Congress on Biotechnology Solutions for Sustainability, aims to establish a permanent structure for interaction between industry and academia in the field of biotechnology in Turkey.

MENTORSHIP SUPPORT FROM BİYOSAD

The three-year protocol outlines a broad framework of cooperation, encompassing everything from research and education to laboratory infrastructure and internship opportunities. Furthermore, the protocol aims to establish a lasting structure for interaction between industry and academia in the field of biotechnology in Turkey. Through this collaboration, BİYOSAD will provide mentorship support for the studies included in the protocol. Articles, presentations, and patents resulting from joint projects will expand Turkey's biotechnology production capacity.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

On the educational side, a new door is opening for students. Gebze Technical University students will be able to complete their internships and graduation projects within BİYOSAD ; they will be able to make contact with the industry at an early age and keep their finger on the pulse of the sector. The protocol also allows for the mutual use of existing laboratory, testing, and characterization infrastructures. The protocol also covers mutual collaborations on career days, seminars, conferences, competitions, and promotional events.

CONTRIBUTING TO BIOTECHNOLOGY-BASED ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

The Biotechnology and Bioeconomy Clustering Initiative (BİKÜME), supported by the Ministry of Industry and Technology and coordinated by the Biotechnology Institute of Gebze Technical University, aims to bring together researchers, students, startups, and industry stakeholders to transform biotechnology research into sustainable and market-oriented solutions that create scientific, social, and economic impact. BİKÜME, of which BİYOSAD is a stakeholder, will carry out joint projects with Gebze Technical University within the framework of the signed protocol.

"Türkiye'S BIOTECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE SHOULD ALSO TAKE SHAPE IN THE PRODUCTION SECTOR."

In his statement at the signing ceremony, Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş emphasized that such collaborations will play a transformative role in Turkey's biotechnology future, saying: “Turkey's biotechnology initiative should take shape not only in laboratories but also in the production field. As BİYOSAD and BİOSB, we aim for science to reach the field and be integrated with production. Because knowledge alone is not power; it gains meaning when you can transform that knowledge into products, employment, and added value. This step we are taking today is a bridge that will make exactly that possible. The synergy that will emerge when Gebze Technical University's scientific strength is combined with our sectoral experience can create a model not only for our country but also on a regional scale. These collaborations are turning points in Turkey's goal of creating its own biotechnology brands.”

Prof. Dr. Hacı Ali Mantar stated regarding the collaboration: “BİKÜME, the Gebze Technical University Biotechnology and Bioeconomy Cluster, was recently established as an innovation platform with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Technology and under the coordination of the Gebze Technical University Technology Transfer Office. Within this scope, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BİYOSAD, one of the founding partners of Gebze Technical University and BİKÜME.”