Özyeğin University Receives YÖK 2026 Entrepreneurial and Innovative University Institutional Award

Özyeğin University has been honored with the YÖK 2026 Entrepreneurial and Innovative University Institutional Award in recognition of its efforts to translate academic knowledge into economic and social value through entrepreneurship. The award was presented at YÖK’s New Academic Year Opening Ceremony, where Prof. Barış Tan, President of Özyeğin University, accepted it on behalf of the University.

The award recognizes “Qubitrium: Quantum Technologies From Academia to Orbit,” a project launched in 2019 at the Center for Entrepreneurship under the leadership of Dr. Kadir Durak from the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department at Özyeğin University. The initiative set out to extend academic research beyond the laboratory, translating it into intellectual property, high-tech products, and international markets. Over time, the project evolved into a model that brings research, entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and internationalization together.

From Academic Knowledge to a Global Deep-Tech Venture

The cutting-edge quantum technologies developed with the support of Özyeğin University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer Office laid the technological foundation of Qubitrium. Today, Qubitrium serves as a deep-tech venture specialized in quantum communications, quantum sensing, and space-compatible photonic systems, developing partnerships across NATO and European ecosystems and exporting high-tech solutions to international markets.

One of the project’s major achievements is the completion of the design, manufacturing, and integration of QubitCore, a space-compatible quantum payload platform. The project also led to Türkiye’s first export of a quantum payload.

To date, the project has resulted in four patent families, along with eight trade secrets and proprietary technology platforms. In 2024 and 2025, Qubitrium raised a total of €3.75 million in investment and increased its valuation 2.7-fold in just one year.

Strengthening Türkiye’s Quantum Technology Capabilities

The Qubitrium story demonstrates how university research can translate into patents, investment, and high-tech exports, while contributing to Türkiye’s growing capabilities in quantum technologies. Research in quantum-secure communications, quantum time transfer, quantum sensing, and space-compatible quantum systems leading the way to new solutions for challenges in strategic fields including defense, communications, space, and cybersecurity.

As a powerful testament to Özyeğin University’s research-centered approach to entrepreneurship, Qubitrium demonstrates how academic knowledge can be transformed into economic, strategic, and social impact on a global scale. The YÖK 2026 Entrepreneurial and Innovative University Institutional Award stands as an important recognition of this approach.