BİYOSAD Bridges Science and Industry at International Proteomics Congress

The International Proteomics Congress held at Istanbul Technical University brought together scientists, industry representatives and public institutions in the biotechnology field. At the congress, the future of biotechnology, collaboration opportunities between industry and universities, and the development of the entrepreneurship ecosystem were discussed. Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş, Chairman of the Board of BİYOSAD, noted that Turkey possesses strong advantages in domestic and national pharmaceutical production, drawing attention to the critical role of public-university-industry collaboration.

One of the standout sessions at the congress was the "Industry–University–Startup Collaboration" panel, realized with contributions from the Biotechnology Industrialists Association (BİYOSAD). The panel was moderated by Levent Doğanay, and featured BİYOSAD Board Chairman Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş alongside speakers Adil Mardinoğlu, Berk Özdemir, Doğan Taşkent and Ali Demir Sezer. Participants shared views on transferring knowledge produced at universities to industry, the importance of startups in this process, and increasing Turkey's competitive strength in the global market.

Speaking at the panel, Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş highlighted Turkey's biotechnology journey and described the Biotechnology Valley being built in Tuzla and its future vision. Noting that this major project, brought to life with a total investment of USD 4.5 billion, will rise on an area of 2.7 million square meters, Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş stressed that the valley will be not only a production area but also a hub bringing together research, innovation, entrepreneurship and exports. The project aims to create 20,000 jobs, reach an annual export capacity of USD 15 billion, and house 500 startups and 160 industrial enterprises in the same ecosystem. Additionally, a biotechnology college, shared laboratories, patent offices and validation centers to be established in the valley will provide comprehensive opportunities for young scientists and entrepreneurs.

Presentations at the congress also highlighted the size of the biotechnology pharmaceutical market and the opportunities it presents for Turkey. The fact that the market, which has reached hundreds of billions of dollars globally, exceeded TRY 60.9 billion in Turkey as of 2024, demonstrates the investment and production potential in this field. Stating that Turkey has a serious advantage in this sector, Dr. Varlıbaş said, "We have very significant advantages in being able to produce our own and national pharmaceuticals and competing for leadership in the sector. Turkey can play an important role in biosimilar pharmaceutical production. Therefore, collaboration between universities, public institutions and industry is of critical importance."

Referring to international collaborations in his remarks, Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş said, "The memorandum of understanding with Incheon in South Korea, contacts made at the BioProcess International Conference in Boston, and discussions at the Healthcare+ Expo in Taiwan have increased Turkey's visibility on the biotechnology scene. We also successfully represented Turkey at the BIO International Convention held in Boston in June 2025. At the event to be held in San Diego in 2026, we look forward to opening a Turkey Pavilion for the first time together with the Presidential Investment Office and leading companies in the sector. This step will be Turkey's global showcase."

Another topic highlighted at the panel was bringing young entrepreneurs into the sector. The ability of startups in the Biotechnology Valley to access production and validation opportunities without bearing high costs will accelerate the commercialization of ideas. Participants drew attention to how this situation will increase Turkey's innovation capacity and raise its global competitiveness.

At the end of his remarks, Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş said that biotechnology is not only an economic opportunity but also of great importance for healthcare independence and environmental sustainability. Emphasizing that Turkey is opening a new chapter in biotechnology, Dr. Varlıbaş stated that this process will be written together with academics, entrepreneurs, industry representatives and public authorities. He expressed that BİYOSAD is ready to fulfill its responsibilities toward this goal.

While the International Proteomics Congress opened up discussion on the shared future of science and industry, it was also a platform where the concrete role BİYOSAD will play in this future was clearly demonstrated.