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SMARTNET Project aims to improve the cooperation between artificial intelligence-based smart network and Technology Transfer Agencies.

“A Smart Network for Technology Transfer and Commercialisation with Funnel Model” (SMARTNET) Project is carried out by Yıldız Technical University (YTÜ) in partnership with Hasan Kalyoncu University (HKU), Istanbul Technical University (ITU) and Gebze Technical University (GTU), with the co-financing of the European Union and the Ministry of Industry and Technology. The total budget of the project is 2.498.000 Euros.

SMARTNET Project aims to improve the cooperation between artificial intelligence-based smart network and Technology Transfer Agencies.

The project is designed to increase Türkiye’s intellectual property rights, technology products, service capacity, commercialisation and export potential by providing effective business and product development services that will accelerate the commercialisation of technology-oriented business ideas with high performance and synergy by strengthening the network between Technology Transfer Intermediary Institutions

The target audience of the project is Incubation Centres, Technology Transfer Offices, Technology Development Zones, innovative SMEs, start-ups, and entrepreneurs. Within the scope of the project, cooperation is also made with Technology Transfer Centres, companies in the innovation ecosystem and other universities. Project;

Internationalisation of start-ups by expanding into Europe
Supporting entrepreneurs with national/international patents
Mentor capacity-building activities
It carries out activities to increase communication between technology transfer interfaces.

Rationale for the SMARTNET Project:

Yildiz Technical University, the ultimate beneficiary (ERA) of the SMARTNET Project, has the largest incubation space in Türkiye. Istanbul Technical University, Hasan Kalyoncu University and Gebze Technical University, which are partners of the project, are already managing their own incubation centres. In these incubation centres, entrepreneurs are provided with trainings, consultancy services and mentor support.

Yıldız Technical University and its partner universities have already partnered with an incubation centre that hosts Turkish entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, the world’s largest technology investment ecosystem. In this context, Starcamp/Startürk International Incubation Centre, established by ERA and its partners, has undertaken an important task to provide financing to Turkish entrepreneurs and strengthen their capacity.

The existence of the Starcamp/Startürk structure is important for ERA and its partners to explore opportunities outside the EU ecosystem, in terms of connection to a huge ecosystem such as Silicon Valley.

This operation is in the context of the above-mentioned context;

To provide business and support services for capacity and performance development for Technology Transfer Interfaces that will play a role in networking start-ups by utilising promotional opportunities, intellectual and technical resource pool;
To develop technological mentoring infrastructure through training and experiential learning;
To accelerate the market entry process of business ideas with high commercialisation potential by providing quality services to entrepreneurs in the areas of access to business development funds and effective use of resources;
It will serve to contribute to the development of networking and elaboration culture and to strengthen the cooperation of Technology Transfer Interfaces across the country.

Project Objective

SMARTNET aims to increase Türkiye's intellectual property rights, technology products, service capacity, commercialisation and export potential by developing an efficient business between Technology Transfer Interfaces in general.

Aim of the Project

The project aims to establish an effective cooperation between Technology Transfer Intermediary Institutions for the development of technology transfer and commercialisation activities through artificial intelligence-based smart network.

Project Budget

The total project budget is EUR 2,498,000 (2 million four hundred and ninety-eight thousand euros).

Places of Implementation of the Project

Project activities are mainly carried out in Istanbul, Gaziantep and Kocaeli. In addition, a study visit will be organised to a country to be selected in the European Union.

News & Articles

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Events

SMARTNET National Patent Fair: A Dynamic Platform for Innovation and Commercialization The SMARTNET Project is proud to host the National Patent Fair (IP Fair) on April 25, 2025, at the Istanbul Technology Commercialization Center (BTM). This significant event is organized within the framework of the EU-funded project “A Smart Network for Technology Transfer and Commercialisation …

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Events

The SMARTNET Case Study Panel and 5th AI Platform User Training brought together visionary entrepreneurs, investors, and tech-driven minds to explore real-life startup journeys and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. The two-day event empowered participants with strategic insights, practical tools, and future-ready digital skills to thrive in the innovation ecosystem.