When universities unlock innovation, they don’t just educate — they transform economies and lives. At Biruni University, Sezgin Erzan and his team are building Biruni Teknopark into a next-generation hub for science, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.
Their ambition: to position Biruni as a global model for entrepreneurial universities — one that units hospitals, research institutions, and industry through collaboration.
In just 2.5 years, Biruni Teknopark has become the 8th largest of Turkey’s 91 technoparks — and ranks 3rd in terms of investment. ‘We’re young but fast-rising’, Sezgin told me, ‘With 60 startups on site, we’re helping them achieve global trade success and/or grow into global companies’
Impact So Far
When asked how he defines success, Sezgin replied ‘Stability and determination are Key. What matters most is working efficiently — and doing it consistently.’
In the past 2.5 years, Biruni has built a robust ecosystem offering 5,000 m² of lab and office space, mentoring and legal services, tax incentives, and a soon-to-be-launched GPM pharmaceutical facility. The results:
- 724 projects supported and 297 startups launched — including 70 with a social mission, see a few highlights:
- Kozalak Yangın: Develops IoT-based systems to detect forest fires early and monitor air quality for public and environmental safety.
- Escon Enerji and Besenve: Help businesses cut carbon emissions and operate more sustainably.
- Key of Sustain: Conducts social compliance audits to support ethical and sustainable business practices.
- 21 startups have secured USD 151 million in funding
- 3,593 people engaged in startups, Teknopark, and partner initiatives — helping expand social and scientific impact across Turkey and beyond
- Get to know Biruni companies.
3 Key Factors for Entrepreneurial Success
What makes entrepreneurs successful? Sezgin highlights:
- Adaptability and Vision
They identify opportunities early, anticipate market shifts, and innovate to stay ahead. - Strategic Problem-Solving and Resilience
They approach challenges creatively, take calculated risks, and persevere under pressure. - Strong People and Financial Skills
They build high-performing teams, manage finances smartly, , and communicate effectively — enabling sustainable growth.
Recommended Reading
Sezgin recommends two books that shaped his thinking:
- Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell — highlighting how context, community, hard work, and timing shape success, especially for social entrepreneurs.
- Purple Cow by Seth Godin — a call to embrace innovation and stand out in a crowded market.
What’s Challenging – and What’s Next?
One of the biggest challenges Sezgin and his team face is navigating complex legal regulations and ensuring compliance — a process that can be both time-consuming and resource-intensive.
Another major hurdle is low public awareness and acceptance of social enterprises. “Many people are drawn to entertainment and instant gratification,” Sezgin shared. “Engaging with social responsibility doesn’t always provide the same immediate sense of reward — and that makes public engagement harder.”
Still, Sezgin and his team remain committed to their mission — and are working to shift perceptions and build a more supportive environment for social innovation in Turkey and beyond.
How You Can Help
If Sezgin’s journey inspires you, here are 3 ways to support the movement:
- Follow and share
Amplify their story and leadership lessons on social media — your voice helps build momentum. - Attend their talks and events
Learn directly from their experience and connect with Biruni Teknopark shaping the future of impact entrepreneurship. - Engage with their initiatives
Stay updated on innovation programs, startup support, and ecosystem-building efforts led by Biruni Teknopark.
Appendix – Learn more about Technoparks and Most Successful Social Entrepreneurs in Turkey
- Technoparks
Turkey is home to 91 active technoparks, hosting 11,095 R&D companies. Collectively, these startups have raised USD 1.83 billion to date. In 2024 alone, technopark-based companies completed 320 funding rounds, raising USD 824 million. Top sectors include Health, Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, Manufacturing, Environment & Energy, and Gaming. - Social Entrepreneurs