HABTEK Communication Ecosystem B2B Meeting was held

The HABTEK Communication Ecosystem B2B Meeting and the 6G and Beyond Communication Technologies Cluster event organized by the Istanbul Medipol University Technology Transfer Office, was held at the South Campus. The event, organized within the scope of the HABTEK Cluster supported by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, brought together cluster member companies, academics and representatives of public institutions. 

Representatives from Aselsan, Vestel, Turkcell, Netaş, HTK, P.I. Works, and Istanbul Technical University (ITU) attended the event, which was organized to strengthen Türkiye’s position in 6G technologies, advance collaborative infrastructure initiatives, and accelerate the commercialization of patents.
 

PROF. ARSLAN: WE PRODUCE PATENTS, BUT WE CANNOT COMMERCIALIZE THEM
Prof. Hüseyin Arslan, Dean of the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Istanbul Medipol University and a member of the HABTEK Cluster, delivered the opening speech and evaluated Türkiye’s current position in the field of communication technologies.

Prof. Arslan, who has participated in international studies on 5G and 6G technologies, stated that Türkiye possesses significant potential in patent production but continues to face challenges in transforming these innovations into economic value. “We need to move beyond publicity and perception-oriented efforts. We are capable of producing patents, but we are unable to sell and commercialize them. This is a very serious problem.” he said.

Emphasizing that technological advancement can only be achieved through collective effort, Arslan noted that stronger cooperation must be established among government institutions, universities, research centers, and industry.

“COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES FORM THE FOUNDATION OF MANY SECTORS”
Arslan stressed that communication technologies should not be viewed solely within the context of telecommunications, noting that they play a critical role in the transformation of numerous sectors.

Providing examples from developments in China, Arslan pointed out that drone delivery systems, service robots, and autonomous vehicles have become integral parts of daily life. He stated: “Communication technologies are of critical importance in all areas, including drones, robotic systems, autonomous vehicles, smart roads, and factory automation. This cluster should strengthen cross-sectoral integration.”
 

SHARED INFRASTRUCTURE AND INTERNATIONAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES WERE ON THE AGENDA
Arslan also addressed the importance of shared infrastructure initiatives, emphasizing that it is difficult for individual companies to establish comprehensive testing and development infrastructures on their own. He noted that the creation of shared testing and development environments would make significant contributions to the sector and added that participation in projects supported by the European Union, NATO, and TÜBİTAK should be increased through collaborative efforts.

During the sessions held as part of the event, participants discussed the establishment of shared testing and development infrastructures, access to international funding sources, opportunities for cooperation in European Union and NATO project calls, and ways to increase the contribution of cluster members to ministries’ needs assessment processes.

Participants stated that the gathering, which brought together stakeholders from different sectors, provided an important platform for strengthening Türkiye’s communication technologies ecosystem.