Vocational School of Justice
Entrepreneurs get ready for the sector at IUE
Izmir University of Economics Technology Transfer Office has initiated the only product-based venture accelerator program of Turkey. The “DesignX Entrepreneur Accelerator Program”, which will develop entrepreneurial ideas in terms of technology and design, as well as in the areas of incorporation and finance, will facilitate coming up with solutions to consumer needs.
Izmir University of Economics (IUE) is hosting prospective entrepreneurs with business ideas. The “DesignX Entrepreneur Accelerator Program”, organized by IUE Technology Transfer Office (TTO), aims to increase the number of successful entrepreneurs, stated Seda Çakmak, Project Development Specialist of IUE TTO. Çakmak said, “We hope to help undergraduate and graduate level prospective entrepreneurs with business ideas by providing them information about the sector(s) they choose, and through field work, help them measure the needs and dynamics better. This way, while they develop a product, they get to know the market better and come up with better solutions for needs. The prototypes are being established at Izmir University of Economics Design Studio. Later on, development process for this business idea, from sales channels to service model, is being planned. Targeted growth strategies for specific time periods are identified.” Çakmak, who emphasized that they also work to help prospective entrepreneurs with improving their presentation techniques and help them establish a network, said, “The ideas turn into user-experience based, solution-oriented projects through the courses offered in the program. After that stage, presentation of the ideas and finding support begins. Here, we especially focus on a method called ‘elevator speech’. It is very important for prospective entrepreneurs to explain their project to potential investors in a clear, brief message in a very short time. Therefore, they learn about a clear communication method that would last an elevator trip long. After a two-month hard work, the prospective entrepreneurs present their projects at the ‘Demo Day’. Here, we bring them together with the business people from their selected sectors and potential investors. This way, we support them starting from the very beginning up until the time they share their ideas with the sector.” Çakmak stated that IUE TTO would be supporting all candidates with their entrepreneurship adventure, and they work hard to make sure Turkey and the world benefit from these ideas.