25/07/2025

İstinye University and USİKAD Strategic Support for Women Entrepreneurship

The most concrete academic step toward Turkey’s first Women Organized Industrial Zone (Women OSB), aimed at increasing women’s entrepreneurship and employment, was taken with the cooperation protocol signed between İstinye University and the International Association of Industrialists and Businesswomen (USİKAD).

With this protocol, İstinye University will not only provide qualified workforce for the industry but also offer strong academic support in training, mentoring, and research activities dedicated to women entrepreneurs. The signed protocol marks the official first step of the university’s contribution to the institutional structuring of the Women OSB, which is currently awaiting approval from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

“We value strong cooperation with academia”

Müge Eker Öz, Chairwoman of USİKAD Board of Directors, emphasized the critical importance of a robust partnership with academia for the sustainability of the Women OSB:
“Our first protocol was signed with İstinye University. This model will not only focus on technical personnel training but also cover long-term academic collaborations and mutual knowledge production.”

Inclusive Support for Women Entrepreneurship from İstinye University

İstinye University Rector Prof. Dr. Erkan İbiş stated about the cooperation protocol:
“We are very pleased to support every kind of education and initiative led by women. With the Women OSB project, we aim to establish mentorship relations between USİKAD members and young people to bring more conscious and strong individuals into the business world. Additionally, by developing joint curricula based on lifelong learning, we will organize effective training series in entrepreneurship and professional development.”

Focus on Marmara Region and Qualified Sectors for Women OSB

USİKAD Chairwoman Müge Eker Öz noted that the Women OSB is planned to be located in the Marmara Region. “We will comprehensively address women’s participation in the workforce from economic, social, and environmental perspectives. Our goal is to create an ecosystem where women play active roles at home, workplace, and decision-making positions,” she said. Planned within the OSB are a Women OSB Academy, a specialized training center, and an incubation center to provide targeted support mechanisms for entrepreneurial women.

Targeted Sectors in Women OSB

  • High value-added production areas: Technology, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy
  • Agriculture-based industry: Organic food and value-added agricultural products
  • Fashion and textiles: Ventures combining traditional handicrafts with modern design
  • Defense and automotive subcontracting: New fields for women entrepreneurs
  • Innovative construction technologies: Smart cities and sustainable building materials

The pioneering Women OSB project, realized through the collaboration of İstinye University and USİKAD, aims to build a strong and sustainable infrastructure in the areas of education, employment, and entrepreneurship.