Project Success of Mersin TTO

The project titled “Investment Readiness and Commercialization Academy: Scaling and Investment Capacity of Academic Ventures at Mersin University,” prepared by the Mersin University Technology Transfer Office (Mersin TTO), has been accepted under the Technical Support Program of the Çukurova Development Agency (ÇKA). With this project—which qualified for support on October 12, 2026—the university aims to accelerate the ability of its academic-based companies to access investment and scale within the market. Furthermore, the initiative will establish a sustainable, standardized, and replicable institutional support mechanism within the Mersin TTO.

Highlighting the strategic importance of transferring knowledge, inventions, and technologies developed within the university into production and commercializing them, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hakan Öztürk emphasized that the project aligns perfectly with the Council of Higher Education’s (YÖK) recent decision to grant new mandates to Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs).

Commenting on the project’s approval by the Çukurova Development Agency (ÇKA), Prof. Dr. Öztürk noted that this achievement is the result of strong teamwork. He stated: “The approval of our project by the Çukurova Development Agency serves as a concrete demonstration of the high level of awareness and competence possessed by the Mersin TTO team.”

The project, undertaken by the Mersin TTO, aims to enhance the capacity of academic-based companies at Mersin University to commercialize their offerings, secure investments, and scale their operations. The project aims to transform academic knowledge into value-added products and services, facilitate companies' access to finance, and strengthen collaborations between universities, industry, and investors.

An Investment Roadmap Tailored for Academic-Based Companies

Aligned with the goal of "increasing the competitiveness of the region's manufacturing industry," the project prioritizes the conversion of academic knowledge into value-added products and services. As part of the technical support process, academic-based companies will be evaluated across 10 distinct capacity areas—such as business models, product-market fit, intellectual property, company valuation, and legal structure—to generate customized development reports. A training program, involving at least 20 academic entrepreneurs, will cover critical topics ranging from financial planning to investor relations.

At least 15 selected companies will receive one-on-one mentorship; at least 10 will be prepared to deliver pitches to investors; and at least 5 will be directly connected with angel investor networks and venture capital funds.

A Sustainable Institutional Model for Mersin TTO

Beyond supporting existing ventures, the project seeks to establish a lasting framework for collaboration between universities, industry, and investors. To this end, TTO (Technology Transfer Office) staff will be integrated into all analysis and consulting processes, and an "Investment Readiness and Scaling Support Model" will be incorporated into the TTO’s operational structure. Furthermore, the “Handbook on Investment Readiness and Commercialization for Academic Ventures”—to be prepared at the end of the process—will be distributed to at least 50 researchers, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem stakeholders in the region, serving as a long-term guide for technology transfer activities.