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October 27, 2025 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations Gebze Technical University (GTU), one of Türkiye’s leading research universities, hosts an international gathering focused on biotechnological solutions for a sustainable future. The 2nd International Congress on Biotech Solutions for Sustainability (BIOTECH4SUS) is held on the GTU Campus between October 21–24, 2025.
Organized under the auspices of GTU Rector Prof. Hacı Ali Mantar and coordinated by Congress Chair Prof. Işıl Aksan Kurnaz, the event brought together scientists, researchers, institutional representatives, and students working in the fields of medical, industrial, plant, environmental, and aquatic biotechnology. The congress was held with platinum sponsorship from IGSAS.
In his opening speech, Rector Prof. Hacı Ali Mantar emphasized the importance of the congress in bringing together researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to discuss how biotechnology can shape a sustainable future. Noting that GTU, as one of Türkiye’s leading research universities, has always placed biotechnology at the core of its mission, he stated that through the Institute of Biotechnology, the university focuses on transforming scientific discoveries into real-world solutions in diverse areas including health, food, agriculture, and the environment.
Rector Mantar stated, “At GTU, we prioritize transforming science into societal benefit, bringing young scientists together, and contributing to a sustainable future. Through this congress, a strong community has been established in the field of biotechnology,” and wished participants a successful and productive congress.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş, President of the Biotechnology Industrialists Association (BİYOSAD), discussed Türkiye’s biotechnology transformation process. Following his speech, distinguished international scientists such as Prof. Utkan Demirci (Stanford University), Begüm Zeybek, PhD (University of Oxford), and Prof. Søren Husted (University of Copenhagen) shared the latest developments in their respective fields.
Under the main theme of sustainability, the congress featured in-person sessions on health biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology, environmental biotechnology, marine biotechnology, building biology, sustainable living, bioeconomy, and bioentrepreneurship. A wide range of topics was covered, from medical and plant biotechnology to environmental and marine biotechnology. Young researchers delivered oral and poster presentations, and current projects were opened to scientific discussion.
As part of the event, a collaboration protocol was signed between GTU and BİYOSAD, further strengthening GTU’s ties with the Biotechnology Valley ecosystem and enhancing university–industry collaborations.
BİKÜME (Gebze Technical University Bio-Cluster), operating under GTU, was established with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Technology and coordinated by the GTU Technology Transfer Office. The congress successfully brought together all stakeholders within this ecosystem.
In addition to the scientific presentations, the congress concluded with a Bioentrepreneurship Panel, a Bioentrepreneurship Competition, and an award ceremony. |
