Strengthening Academic-Industry Ties: MESA+ Delegation Visits Sabancı University and TICA Members

MESA+ (Twente Univ.) met TICA at Sabancı Univ. to discuss Türkiye’s IC sector, collaboration, and visited SUNUM for joint research opportunities.

On 18.03.2025, a distinguished delegation from MESA+, the University of Twente’s leading nanotechnology research institute, visited Sabancı University as part of a fact-finding mission to explore Türkiye’s semiconductor and nanotechnology landscape. The visit was organized to foster deeper collaboration between Dutch and Turkish institutions, particularly in the fields of integrated circuits and microelectronics.

The delegation engaged with members of the Turkish Integrated Circuits Alliance (TICA), a key network of industry professionals, researchers and academics dedicated to advancing semiconductor technology in Türkiye. Discussions centered on the current state of the integrated circuits sector, the challenges and opportunities facing the industry and ways to enhance collaboration between academia and industry. Both parties emphasized the need for stronger partnerships to drive innovation and global competitiveness.

As part of their visit, the MESA+ delegation also toured the Sabancı University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM). The visit to SUNUM provided an opportunity to showcase cutting-edge research capabilities in micro- and nano-fabrication, semiconductor materials, and advanced applications in electronics and photonics. The delegation explored avenues for joint research projects and technology transfer initiatives.

The visit highlighted the potential for enhanced collaboration between Turkish and Dutch research institutions and industries. Both sides recognized the value of knowledge-sharing, resource pooling and joint efforts in advancing semiconductor innovation. The delegation expressed enthusiasm for continued engagement, aiming to establish concrete research and development partnerships that will drive technological progress and global competitiveness in the sector.