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May 10, 2025 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations
At the summit held with the participation of Zekeriya Coştu, Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology, discussions focus on Türkiye’s national technological initiatives in aerospace, as well as the role of young engineers.
Organized by the Aerospace Club of Gebze Technical University (GTU), the 3rd Aerospace Summit took place on May 8–9, 2025, bringing together leading names in the industry with students. The event was held at the GTU Congress and Cultural Center, with the attendance of Zekeriya Coştu, Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology; GTU Rector Prof. Hacı Ali Mantar; Vice-Rectors Prof. Elif Damla Arısan, Prof. Hasari Çelebi, Prof. Mahmut Durmuş; GTU Secretary-General Nadir Yıldırım; deans; academics; students; institutions and organizations; and representatives from leading companies in the sector.
“Türkiye Is Growing Stronger With High Technology”
Deputy Minister Coştu emphasized Türkiye’s advancements in aerospace, stating, “We continue our R&D support to reduce external dependency and increase value-added production. With 106 technoparks, we are expanding our innovation ecosystem.” Highlighting Türkiye’s $37 billion export figure in the automotive, chemical, and machinery sectors, Coştu added, “We are now one of the countries exporting the most products globally.”
GTU’s Contribution to Skilled Workforce in the Sector
Vice-Rector Prof. Hasari Çelebi pointed out to GTU’s collaborations with the defense industry, stating, “Our projects with institutions like Turkish Aerospace and ASELSAN provide internship and career opportunities for our students.” Aerospace Faculty Dean Prof. İlyas Kandemir noted that technologies such as air taxis will soon become part of everyday life.
Rich Content and Interaction
Throughout the summit, participants engaged in inspiring keynote sessions, UAV flight demonstrations, and interactive simulations, and had the opportunity to expand their professional networks through extensive knowledge exchange. The summit opened on Thursday, May 8, 2025, with a presentation by TÜBİTAK Space Senior Chief Researcher Aziz Koru. In the same session, Hilal Ünal Türkan (Deputy Chair of the Board at Gökser R&D Defence Aviation), Dr. Mehmet Kahraman (General Manager of Delta V), Murat Karataş (Vice President at ASELSAN), and Müjdat Uludağ (General Manager of TCI) shared their innovative projects with participants. The second day featured a session where Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu (Chief Executive Officers at Turkish Aerospace), Cüneyt Kenger (General Manager of Kale Jet Engines), Deputy Minister Zekeriya Coştu, Dr. Murat Ceran (Head of National Fighter Aircraft Department at the Presidency of Defence Industries of Türkiye), and Mesude Kılınç (Head of Engine and Transmission Systems Department) presented current sector dynamics and their visions for the future.
Sector–Student Engagement: High Interest at Exhibition Stands
Between sessions, summit speakers toured the exhibition area in the GTU Congress and Cultural Center foyer, where companies and student clubs showcased their projects and products. Participants held one-on-one discussions with booth presenters, gaining insight into innovative designs and R&D efforts, while also engaging with students and sharing advice and experiences.
Alumni Share Career Insights
The summit also featured a special panel where GTU alumni shared their industry experiences, offering valuable guidance to aspiring young engineers. The panel stood out as one of the summit’s most inspiring sessions. Overall, the event not only strengthened ties between academia and industry, but also paved the way for new collaborations in the aviation and space fields.
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