Istanbul, May 23, 2025 — The “Smart Network for Technology Transfer and Commercialisation with Funnel Model (SMARTNET)” project marked the end of its 36-month journey with an impactful Closing Event, hosted at Yıldız Technical University in Istanbul. Bringing together 152 stakeholders from Türkiye’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, the event celebrated the project’s strategic achievements while signaling future-oriented collaboration and sustainability.
Funded by the European Union and implemented under the leadership of Yıldız Technical University and the Ministry of Industry and Technology of Türkiye, the SMARTNET project has played a transformative role in fostering a digitally integrated, AI-supported commercialization support network across the country. Over the course of three years, SMARTNET catalyzed entrepreneurial growth through acceleration models, mentoring platforms, and international exposure.
Highlighting a Networked Vision for Innovation
The half-day high-level gathering, coordinated by the Technical Assistance Team (TAT), featured a rich agenda of speeches, panel discussions, and success stories. Notable speakers included Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Yılmaz, Deputy Rector of Yıldız Technical University, and Süleyman Alata, Coordinator of the Ministry’s Project Implementation Unit.
Opening with a short documentary titled “A Vision Beyond Borders: SMARTNET”, the event set a forward-looking tone. Ufuk Batum, the project’s Team Leader, delivered a keynote presentation titled “The Impact of SMARTNET: The Multiplier,” outlining the project’s key metrics and legacy initiatives.
Spotlight on Success and Sustainability
Two standout sessions—“Letters to the Future” and “Entrepreneurship Beyond Borders”—offered compelling insights from mentors, angel investors, and entrepreneurs. Speakers included:
Büşra Altunay, Founder of Tulpar Angel Investor Network
Dr. Hülya Bulut, Project Mentor
İbrahim Balaban, Founder of MedicaUrosim
Duygu Yılmaz, Founder of Biolive
Çetin Kosifoğlu, Founder of Newky Digital
Özgür Duruöz, Founder of İletmen App
Participants shared their journeys through SMARTNET’s training modules, demo days, and study visits across Europe, emphasizing the program’s tangible support in commercializing and internationalizing their ventures.
Engagement, Media Reach, and Technical Precision
To maximize its communicative impact, the event featured:
Live streaming via SMARTNET’s Instagram
Interactive online polls for audience engagement
Professional audiovisual documentation
Media coverage in major outlets
Large-format posters illustrating SMARTNET’s milestones and timeline adorned the venue, while student participation was encouraged through promotional giveaways and a live musical performance by YTU Music Department students.
Key Outcomes and Strategic Recommendations
The event not only disseminated SMARTNET’s outputs—including its AI-integrated portal and mentor network—but also reinforced the project’s role as a national benchmark in innovation support. Among the strategic recommendations highlighted were:
Continuation of the SMARTNET portal beyond project life
Institutionalization of a national mentor network
Adoption of “Letters to the Future” as a model for sustainability reflection in future projects
