Soft-Landing Mission | Turkey

ExcellEnt project - A Gateway to Innovation and Market Expansion

The ExcellEnt Project proudly presents its Soft-Landing Mission to Istanbul, Türkiye, scheduled for May 5-6, 2025. This mission is a unique opportunity for academic entrepreneurs, Higher Education Institutes, and reseachers specializing in Advanced Materials, Advanced Manufacturing, Digital Transformation, and Entrepreneurship to immerse themselves in Türkiye’s dynamic technology and innovation ecosystem.

Mission

Overview

The Soft-Landing Mission offers two days of intensive visits and activities, including:

  • Visits to cutting-edge research centers, technoparks, and incubators
  • Best practices in technology commercialization in Türkiye
  • Experience exchange with academics, technology transfer offices, and incubator managers
  • Workshops on technology commercialization and technology transfer
  • Brainstorming sessions on new technology product ideas
SUNUM

Mission Plans

Participants will take part in the following activities:

Participants will gain firsthand insights through visits to:

  • University R&D Centers: Sabancı University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Yıldız Technical University
  • Technoparks: Istanbul Technopark, TUBITAK MAM, Yıldız Technical University Technopark
  • Industry Leaders: Multinational corporations and leading Turkish industry players focusing on R&D
  • Incubation Centers: Exploring best-in-class incubators supporting innovation and commercialization

Participants will engage in high-value networking and knowledge-sharing activities, including:

  • Networking event with incubation program managers, academic entrepreneurs, R&D managers of innovation leader companies
  • Workshop on technology commercialization
  • Workshop on best practices with technology transfer offices
  • Experience exchange meetings with entrepreneurs in related fields
  • Brainstorming session on new technology product ideas

Key Benefits

Some benefits gained through Turkish Soft-Landing Mission:

Expand your professional network by connecting with universities, researchers, and industry leaders

Develop strategic knowledge on technology and market dynamics

Gain insights on overcoming market entry barriers by engaging with local experts and organizations

Meet academics and incubation managers and discuss new technological opportunities

Deepen comprehension of transferring new technologies from lab to market

Participants’ travel costs (up to €1,000) will be reimbursed. Travel vouchers will be provided by project partners.

Goals of the Mission

The mission is designed to help academic entrepreneurs, Higher Education Institute representatives, and reseachers to:

Navigate new collaborations

Navigate new collaborations for international expansion of research and entrepreneurship activities.

Receive practical guidance

Receive practical guidance on commercializing advanced technologies

Validate market demand

Validate market demand for new technologies through expert feedback

Immerse in the Turkish market

Immerse in the Turkish market via soft-landing programs

Explore new opportunities

Explore new opportunities for international expansion

How to Apply

This Soft-Landing Mission is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to gain deep insights into the Turkish innovation ecosystem, establish valuable collaborations, and take the next step in international expansion. Don’t miss out on this transformative experience!

Academic entrepreneurs, Higher Education Institutes, and reseachers interested in expanding to Turkiye are encouraged to apply by April 15, 2025.

Apply Now