It is possible to live to 122 years old with biotechnology.

Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş:

It is possible to live to 122 years old with biotechnology.

Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş, Chairman of the Board of Directors of BİYOSAD (Biotechnology and Biotechnology Manufacturers Association), emphasized that biotechnology, with its contribution to strategic areas such as agriculture, health, food, and animal husbandry, could make healthy living up to the age of 122 possible. Varlıbaş stated that Türkiye has made a significant leap forward in this field with the Biotechnology Valley established in Istanbul. He added that Türkiye's goal is to be among the top 10 countries in the world in biotechnology within 10 years.

Established on an area of approximately 2.7 million square meters with an investment of $4.5 billion , the Biotechnology Valley plays a strategic role in Turkey's science and technology-oriented development goals. Bringing together research, production, entrepreneurship, and industrial collaboration in a single structure, the valley aims to strengthen the national biotechnology capacity. Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş , Chairman of the Biotechnology Industrialists Association (BİYOSAD) and the Biotechnology Specialized Organized Industrial Zone (BİOSB), pointed out that Turkey ranks 22nd in economic size and 48th in biotechnology, stating, "To change this situation, we aim to bring Turkey into the top 10 countries in biotechnology within 10 years."

Varlıbaş emphasized that the valley is not only a production and R&D area, but also an integrated ecosystem where national innovation policies will be implemented.

“The Biotechnology Valley will guide Türkiye’s science-based growth process. By strengthening the ecosystem with domestic and foreign investors, we aim to bring science to the heart of social life,” he said. The project's goals include creating 20,000 jobs, generating $15 billion in exports, and supporting 300 start-ups.

"BIOTECHNOLOGY MEANS WEALTH, HEALTH, AND LONGEVITY."

The 2nd International Congress on Biotechnology Solutions for Sustainability (Biotech4SUS), attended by scientists from Turkey and around the world, was held at Gebze Technical University. Speaking at the congress, Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş defined biotechnology with the concepts of "wealth, health, and longevity."

Varlıbaş stated that biotechnology is not only a field of science but also a driving force for economic development, saying, "According to official records, there are people in the world who live to be 122 years old. Biotechnology makes it possible to extend a healthy and stress-free lifespan."

Varlıbaş emphasized that biotechnology will have a transformative impact on strategic sectors such as agriculture, health, food, and livestock, stating, "This field will play a key role in Türkiye's sustainable growth strategy."

"BIOTECHNOLOGY IS THE HEART OF SUSTAINABILITY."

Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş emphasized that Türkiye's progress in the field of biotechnology is no longer limited to industrial scale but is now progressing along the lines of a science policy, stating, "Biotechnology is a science that collaborates with nature, not one that copies it. Today, biotechnology is the solution to all issues such as climate change, food security, health, and energy efficiency. As BİYOSAD, we bring together the public sector, industry, and universities at the same table. Our aim is not only to produce; it is to ensure that science grows on an ethical, environmentally friendly, and sustainable basis. We are determined to make Türkiye a reference country not only in biotechnological products but also in scientific quality and sustainability."

In his speech, Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş also pointed out that the Biotechnology Valley aims to create an impact not only on a national but also on an international scale. Dr. Varlıbaş said, “Turkey is now taking an active role in this field. We had contacts in Korea and Taiwan, and we participated in two congresses in Boston. Next year, we are establishing the Turkey Pavilion in San Diego. The Presidential Investment Office, the Ministries of Health and Trade will also be with us.”

"DOMESTIC PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTION IS A CRITICAL TURNING POINT FOR Türkiye'S SCIENTIFIC INDEPENDENCE."

Highlighting the importance of Türkiye's progress in domestic biotechnology drug production, Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş stated, “The new biotechnology drug molecule project, initiated five years ago with the Izmir Biomedical and Genome Center and funded by VSY Biotechnology, has achieved successful results in the laboratory phases. Our molecule has been isolated, identified, and has yielded extremely promising results in terms of reliability and efficacy in preclinical tests. If the human phase clinical trials also yield positive results, we will carry out production in the Biotechnology Valley. A country that develops its own molecules becomes independent not only in health but also in science. Our goal is to make Türkiye a country that develops its own drugs, produces its own technology, and exports its knowledge. This process will be a critical turning point for Türkiye's scientific independence.”