Launch event of SMARTNET aims to increase Türkiye’s intellectual property rights, technology products, service capacity and export potential by providing support to the commercialization of technology-oriented business ideas of entrepreneurs by developing the network between Technology Transfer Intermediary Institutions; held on April 30, 2024, at Otağ’ı Hümayun, located on Yıldız Technical University Campus. Before the event, guests walked through the Wisdom Path at Yıldız Technical University Davutpaşa Campus and received information about the campus.

Entrepreneurs who participated in SMARTNET trainings, receiving mentoring support who had the necessary criteria to meet with investors made their presentations within the scope of the “Demo-Day” event, where SMARTNET support and the entrepreneurial network platform -developed with artificial intelligence infrastructure- were introduced.

The program, held in hybrid mode, was broadcast live on Yıldız Technical University’s YouTube account. The broadcast can be watched at the following link: SMARTNET Launch and Demo-Day Event

In the first part of the event, moderated by Hakan Çelik, SMARTNET Team Leader Ufuk Batum gave information about the project and introduced the platform designed with artificial intelligence infrastructure that will bring together ecosystem stakeholders.

Then, Ministry of Industry and Technology, General Directorate of EU and Foreign Relations, Project Management Department, Project Management Unit Coordinator Süleyman Alata gave brief information about the supports provided to the ecosystem within the scope of the Competitive Sectors Program and underlined the importance of SMARTNET supports for technology entrepreneurs.

Rector of Hasan Kalyoncu University Prof. Dr. Türkay Dereli said in his speech that the “SMARTNET project which was laid in Gaziantep aims to play a leading role in Türkiye’s digital and technological transformation. As one of the stakeholders of the SMARTNET we think that project will serve a wide target audience such as Incubation Centers, Technology Transfer Offices, Technology Development Zones, innovative SMEs, start-ups, and entrepreneurs making great contributions to Europe’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Yıldız Technical University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Yılmaz underlined that the project facilitated entrepreneurs’ access to venture capital funds and that hundreds of entrepreneurs were given training and mentoring. Emphasizing that efforts are being made to reach European Union funds, Prof. Dr. Tamer Yılmaz also stated their aim to integrate with large ecosystems in cities such as London, Amsterdam, Berlin, and Paris, and for this purpose, 7 successful entrepreneurs selected within the scope of the project to be sent to Berlin. Prof. Dr. Tamer Yılmaz said that “SMARTNET will be a project that brings together Türkiye’s successful entrepreneurs and the European ecosystem with its large market and funds”.

In the Demo-Day section organized within the scope of the launch event, 6 startups who participated in SMARTNET’s basic and advanced training receiving mentor support were introduced.

Duygu Yılmaz, Co-Founder and CEO of Biolive, stated that Biolive broke new ground in the world and produced bioplastic raw materials and vegetable leather from the wastes of olive oil factories, obtained the world’s highest herbal ratio biopolymer from olive seed wastes, and stated that these raw materials were transformed into food packaging, electronics, white goods and textile products and received Pct patent and international awards.

General Manager Can Berk Koç, one of the founding partners of CT Solutions, presented the project they developed to facilitate complex document management processes and to save lives by increasing occupational health and safety measures.

Cardiologist Dr Göksel Çinier explained their initiatives on behalf of CorPal Health. Çinier stated that they set out from the importance of managing health from a holistic perspective, and for this purpose, they developed the Corpy application, which stands out in the follow-up of patients with chronic diseases, with the support of artificial intelligence, offering features such as psychological therapy, self-care, physical therapy, and providing a personalised experience by strengthening health management.

Saygın Kolaşinli, COO of SociaPOL, introduced the platform they have established to direct the combination of blockchain and XR technologies to make the most of the combination.

Robeff Technology Co-Founder and General Manager Özkan Köroğlu introduced the electric and autonomous vehicle platforms developed with deep technology and shared the innovative solutions they offer in the logistics field, from in-factory freight transport to last kilometre delivery.

Şenay Akça, Co-Founder of Yomio Drops, shared their stories as two entrepreneurial mothers who want to produce healthy nutrition-oriented alternative snacks and offer additive-free, natural, functional and delicious yoghurt products.

At the end of the programme, the startups that completed their presentations were presented with symbolic tickets and gifts for the Berlin study visit they will go to within the scope of SMARTNET to make contacts and meet with investors.