BİYOSAD and Gebze Technical University Join Forces

A Good Faith Cooperation Protocol was signed between Gebze Technical University and the Biotechnology Industrialists Association (BİYOSAD), which is bringing to life Technology Valley, Turkey's new science and technology hub. The signed protocol launched a strong partnership based on knowledge, human resources and technology sharing.

A Good Faith Cooperation Protocol was signed between Gebze Technical University and the Biotechnology Industrialists Association (BİYOSAD), which is bringing to life Technology Valley, a new science and technology hub that will increase Turkey's competitive strength in the global biotechnology market. The protocol, signed by Gebze Technical University Rector Prof. Dr. Hacı Ali Mantar and BİYOSAD and Biotechnology Specialization Organized Industrial Zone (BİOSB) Board Chairman Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş at the 2nd International Biotechnology Solutions for Sustainability Congress, aims to establish a permanent structure for interaction between industry and academia in the biotechnology field in Turkey.

Mentoring Support from BİYOSAD
Within the scope of the three-year protocol, a broad cooperation framework is being drawn covering everything from research to education, laboratory infrastructure to internship opportunities. Additionally, the protocol aims to establish a permanent structure for interaction between industry and academia in the biotechnology field in Turkey. Through this cooperation, BİYOSAD will provide mentoring support for studies included in the protocol scope. Articles, papers and patents resulting from joint projects will increase Turkey's biotechnology production capacity.

Special Opportunities for Students
On the education side, a new door is opening for students. Gebze Technical University students will be able to conduct internships and graduation projects under BİYOSAD; they will make early contact with the industry and keep their finger on the pulse of the sector. The protocol also enables mutual use of existing laboratory, testing and characterization infrastructure. The protocol also covers activities related to career days, seminars, conferences, competitions and promotional events on a reciprocal basis.

Contribution to Biotechnology-Based Economic Transformation
The Biotechnology and Bioeconomy Clustering Initiative (BİKÜME), supported by the Ministry of Industry and Technology and coordinated by Gebze Technical University Biotechnology Institute, aims to bring together researchers, students, startups and industry stakeholders and transform biotechnology research into sustainable, market-oriented solutions that create scientific, social and economic impact. Within the framework of BİKÜME, of which BİYOSAD is also a stakeholder, and the signed protocol, joint projects will be carried out with Gebze Technical University.

"Turkey's Biotechnology Initiative Should Also Take Shape in the Production Field"
Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş, in a statement at the signing ceremony, emphasized that such collaborations will play a transformative role in Turkey's biotechnology future and said: "Turkey's biotechnology initiative should take shape not only in laboratories but also in the production field. As BİYOSAD and BİOSB, we aim for science to reach the production floor and merge with manufacturing. Because knowledge alone is not power; it only gains meaning when you can convert that knowledge into products, employment and added value. The step we are taking today is precisely a bridge that will make this possible. When Gebze Technical University's scientific strength combines with our sectoral experience, the synergy that will emerge can create a model not only for our country but also at the regional scale. In Turkey's goal of creating its own biotechnology brands, such collaborations are turning points."

Prof. Dr. Hacı Ali Mantar, in turn, commented on the cooperation, stating: "BİKÜME, Gebze Technical University's Biotechnology and Bioeconomy Clustering Initiative, was established recently as an innovation platform with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Technology and under the coordination of Gebze Technical University's Technology Transfer Office. Within this scope, we signed a Good Faith Protocol with BİYOSAD, one of BİKÜME's founding partners and Gebze Technical University."