The National Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Student Symposium, organized in collaboration with Kastamonu Technopolis and the Technology Transfer Office of Kastamonu University, has begun under the auspices of Kastamonu University. The symposium, held from May 13 to 15, 2026, brought together students, academics, and stakeholders of the entrepreneurship ecosystem from different universities.

The program, which began with a moment of silence and the reading of the National Anthem, was attended by Deputy Governor Dr. Hakan Kubalı, General Director of Technopolis Prof. Dr. Alperen Kaymakcı, and many academic staff and students. 

In his opening speech at the event, Numan Mücahit Demir, President of the Technopolis Student Community, stated that the world is changing rapidly and that they believe young people should not only be consumers but also individuals who think, produce, develop, and create value. 

Stating that they strive to increase knowledge sharing, bring together different perspectives, and create environments where young people can find inspiration, Demir said, "At this point, I would especially like to thank our university administration and the Technopark administration, who have always supported us." The approaches that support students in generating ideas, developing projects, and taking an active role are very valuable to us".  

The second speech at the opening was delivered by the Academic Advisor of the Technopolis Student Society, Lecturer Dr. Berkan Güngör. Stating that they did not just hold the opening of a symposium, Dr. Güngör said that they also hosted an academic and institutional gathering that made visible the students' will to generate ideas, conduct research, develop projects, think innovatively, and participate in the entrepreneurship ecosystem. 

Stating that the symposium was prepared to further students' scientific curiosity, interest in technology, and entrepreneurial potential, Dr. Güngör said, "Here, students are not just listeners; they are active stakeholders presenting papers, developing ideas, discussing, learning, producing, and contributing to the organization process." In this respect, our symposium serves as an important platform that fosters a student-centered academic production culture.  Dr. Güngör concluded his speech by thanking all the students who participated in the symposium. 

Speaking after Dr. Güngör, the General Manager of Teknokent, Prof. Dr. Alperen Kaymakcı, stated that the students put in a great deal of effort during the symposium preparation process and that the experience was an important one for them. Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı said, "Our students learned to present projects, communicate, persuade, and develop resources." Each of these is an important part of the culture of entrepreneurship." 

In his speech, Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı also touched on the work carried out by Technopolis, stating that they aim to have students not only receive education but also become individuals who produce, develop, code, design, and lead in technology. Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı said, "Transform your knowledge not only into grades but also into patents, designs, and projects." Because knowledge gains value as it is shared. As Kastamonu University, Kastamonu Technopolis, and the Technology Transfer Office, we are always by your side."

Following Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı, Deputy Governor Dr. Hakan Kubalı stated that the artificial intelligence revolution is underway and mentioned that some countries have made significant advancements in space technologies. Pointing to developments in biotechnology, green energy systems, cybersecurity, and data security, Dr. Kubalı stated that technological transformation should be used for the benefit of society.

Dr. Kubalı said, "The ones who will truly succeed in this are you." Your innovative thoughts and determination will carry the Republic of Türkiye further."

After the opening speeches, the invited speakers took the stage. On the first day of the symposium, presentations were given on various topics in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Speaking at the program, the President of the Turkish-Bulgarian Businesswomen's Association, Türkan Tatyana Türker, shared her entrepreneurial experiences and the importance of production-oriented work with the participants in her speech titled "Entrepreneurship and Value Creation." 

She stated that they have made efforts to implement the KADES application, used in Türkiye, in Bulgaria as well. In his speech to the youth, Türker said, "Desire something very much and believe in it very much." He used the expressions.

Then, in the presentation titled "Entrepreneurship and Innovation" by Fatih Elibol, the role of innovative thinking in the entrepreneurship ecosystem and the roles that young people can take on in the changing technology world were discussed.

As the final speaker of the program, Şuayb Baysal shared his own experiences with the students in his talk titled "My Entrepreneurship Story," providing insights into the processes encountered and the experiences gained on the entrepreneurial journey. 

Within the scope of the symposium, student presentations will be made on current topics such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, sustainable technology, smart production systems, and entrepreneurship models. Throughout the three-day event, panels, workshops, and project presentations will be held.

The program will conclude with an evaluation and closing session on May 15th.