Major collaboration for agriculture

The Izmir Agriculture Technology Center (ITTM), established under the leadership of the Izmir Commodity Exchange (ITB) to develop agriculture in Turkey through the production of new and effective technologies, has received support from Izmir University of Economics (IUE). ITB Chair Işınsu Kestelli and IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu signed a cooperation protocol aiming to develop exemplary projects that will expand from Izmir to the whole country.

As part of this cooperation, IUE will provide educational and consultancy support in various fields, primarily software and artificial intelligence, for projects developed within the center. Research centers and laboratories at IUE will be available for use in projects that will create national and international added value in agricultural technologies. Additionally, IUE will have a permanent representative on ITTM’s advisory board.

The protocol signing ceremony for this cooperation, which will significantly strengthen Izmir Agriculture Technology Center, Turkey’s first thematic agricultural technology center, was hosted by Izmir University of Economics. The event was attended by ITB Assembly President Ömer Gökhan Tuncer, Vice Chair of the Board Ercan Korkmaz, Secretary General Erçin Güdücü, Vice Secretary Generals Mustafa Yağcıoğlu and Pınar Erdil, ITB Consultant Dilara Sürgü, IUE Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Levent Eren, Dean of Faculty of Engineering Prof. Dr. Yaşar Güneri Şahin, and Research Collaborations and Innovation Coordinator Prof. Dr. Fazilet Vardar.

“IZMIR CAN BECOME A HUB FOR AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES”

Speaking at the meeting, ITB and ITTM Chair Işınsu Kestelli emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating that they will continue working with the goal of making Izmir a hub for agricultural technologies. She said, “As Izmir Commodity Exchange, we believe that Izmir, as both an agricultural and trade center, should take the lead in integrating Turkish agriculture into global markets. That’s why we established Izmir Agriculture Technology Center with the aim of making Izmir a hub for agricultural technologies through the collaboration of all stakeholder institutions. ITTM was founded to develop, test, and commercialize agricultural information technologies and holds the distinction of being Turkey’s first thematic agricultural technology center. Located within the International Agricultural Research and Training Center in Menemen, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, ITTM was established with the guided project support of Izmir Development Agency. With our application to KOSGEB, ITTM has also earned the TEKMER status. With this status, ITTM offers entrepreneurs various tax advantages and creates an ecosystem that brings together the public sector, private sector, academia, and agricultural producers to develop agricultural technologies.”

“WE ARE AMONG THE TOP 5”

Kestelli continued as follows: “We do not see ITTM merely as a regional or national project; with strong project partners, we aim for ITTM to become an ecosystem that serves not only our immediate geography but the entire world. In this regard, we have taken a significant step by becoming one of Turkey’s first 5 ‘European Digital Innovation Hubs’ under the Digital Europe Program. Being part of the ADIM network has opened the doors for us to collaborate with over 200 digital innovation hubs across Europe. Another distinguishing feature of ITTM is its strong partnership structure and extensive collaboration network, formed with the participation of Turkey’s leading institutions.”

“A HIGHLY VALUABLE PARTNER”

Highlighting the crucial role of universities as key stakeholders in ITTM with their academic staff and entrepreneurial students, Kestelli said, “Izmir University of Economics, founded by Izmir Chamber of Commerce and the first foundation university in Izmir, is one of the city’s prestigious educational institutions. Especially with one of Turkey’s most successful software engineering departments, IUE has become one of the most sought-after universities. We take pride in the University’s achievements and are now signing a cooperation protocol with IUE to cultivate young agricultural technology entrepreneurs within ITTM. I would like to extend my gratitude to Izmir Chamber of Commerce, under the leadership of my esteemed colleague Mahmut Özgener, for supporting our project from its inception to its current stage as a company partnership. I also thank Izmir University of Economics and its Rector for opening the doors to academic collaboration.”

“AGRICULTURE IS A HIGHLY STRATEGIC SECTOR”

IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu expressed his excitement about supporting such an important center. Emphasizing that agriculture is a highly strategic sector, the Rector said, “Agriculture is a field that requires creative and transformative solutions. As a University, we are ready to do whatever is necessary to contribute in this area. It should not be forgotten that healthy food starts with agriculture. Beyond software, we have also reached a strong position in artificial intelligence and robotics. We have achieved great success in these fields. I proudly say that our University has many strengths that will contribute to Izmir Agriculture Technology Center. ITTM is a valuable project that aligns with our University’s vision. I sincerely thank Chair Işınsu Kestelli for giving us the opportunity to be a partner in such an important future-oriented project.”