A cooperation protocol was signed between Mersin University Technology Transfer Office and Mersin Chamber of Commerce on March 12, 2026, for the "R&D Project Market 2026" event, which will be held for the 15th time this May. The protocol, within the scope of the "TÜBİTAK 1503 R&D Project Markets Support Program," aims to support innovative ideas and strengthen cooperation between industry and academia. It outlines the awards and collaborations for the winning projects at the R&D Project Market.

The signing ceremony, held at the Mersin Chamber of Commerce, was attended by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hakan Öztürk and Mersin TTO Academic Unit Head Prof. Dr. [Name]. M. Tahir Alp, Mersin TTO Coordinator Abdi Kurt, Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights Officer Ramazan Duman, Mersin Commodity Exchange Board Chairman Abdullah Özdemir, Mersin Commodity Exchange General Secretary İsmail Sarı, and Mersin Commodity Exchange Pulses Research Center (BAM) R&D Officer Özge Özmen participated.

Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hakan Öztürk, in his speech, stated that they are working towards Rector Prof. Dr. Erol Yaşar's goal of becoming a "Research University." He noted that they place great importance on projects, publications, patents, and collaborations within this framework, adding that being a research university has many advantages, primarily in terms of staffing demands.

Mersin TTO Academic Unit Head Prof. Dr. M. Tahir Alp stated that a change in vision regarding university-industry integration has been implemented since Rector Prof. Dr. Erol Yaşar took office. M. Tahir Alp stated, “We value the integration of Mersin University with the city. Therefore, we want to conduct studies to identify the academic needs of sector representatives by holding meetings with them from time to time.”

Coordinator Abdi Kurt stated that they strive to realize all project collaborations that will benefit society, and that they would like to see the Mersin Commodity Exchange involved in these project collaborations.

Mersin Commodity Exchange Board Chairman Abdullah Özdemir, stating that they are always ready to cooperate with the university, said, “I greatly admire the work of our Rector, Prof. Dr. Erol Yaşar. I will assist him as much as I can.”

Following the speeches, the cooperation protocol was signed and a photo session was held. The event, titled “Project Market 2026: Investors and Projects Meet Here,” will take place on May 5-6, 2026, at the Mersin University Prof. Dr. Uğur Oral Culture Center.