Balıkesir University held a preparatory meeting for the TEKMER to be established in Balıkesir.

The Balıkesir Vocational School (BMYO) and Technology Transfer Office (BAÜN TTO) team met with members of the Balıkesir Chamber of Commerce 7th Professional Committee (Automotive and Spare Parts Trade) to evaluate opportunities for university-industry cooperation. The meeting was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatmagül Tolun, who is both the Director of Balıkesir MYO and the Coordinator of Balıkesir University Technology Transfer Office, and attended by the TTO and MYO teams.

Kadir Sayıcı, Founding Partner of PKF YMM A.Ş., Assoc. Prof. Dr. Banu Sezginer and Şahkan Saltık participated in the meeting and provided information on the TEKMER establishment process, the regulatory framework, alternative operating models and management structure proposals aimed at strengthening university-industry cooperation. Faculty deans, institute directors, academics, and Technology Transfer Office staff also attended the meeting. Participants shared their views and suggestions on developing an R&D and entrepreneurship culture within Balıkesir, commercialising academic knowledge, and supporting innovative business ideas of SMEs and large-scale companies operating in Balıkesir.

The preparatory meeting was considered an important step towards Balıkesir University's goal of playing a leading role in the regional innovation ecosystem. With the establishment of TEKMER, the aim is to make university-industry cooperation processes more systematic, sustainable and entrepreneurship-focused.