Interdisciplinary Innovation and Collaboration at Özyeğin University: ÖzÜ-X

Located on Özyeğin University’s Çekmeköy campus, ÖzÜ-X is more than just a building; it is a transformative space designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and interdisciplinary research. As the university’s flagship structure, ÖzÜ-X embodies the spirit of exploration, pushing boundaries, and redefining traditional academic and business practices. This facility serves as a meeting point for students, academics, and industry professionals, where interdisciplinary research and innovation converge.

ÖzÜ-X was created by repurposing an unfinished campus cafeteria into a modern innovation center. The “X” in its name symbolizes exploration and the pursuit of the unknown, reflecting Özyeğin University’s commitment to innovation in the era of global digitalization. Situated at the heart of the campus’s Education Zone, this facility spans an 80m x 40m underground area, housing a startup incubator, laboratories, studio spaces, and a maker space. This design blurs the boundaries between academic and business areas, providing a seamless environment that supports the product development process from design to production.

ÖzÜ-X is a dynamic ecosystem that promotes interdisciplinary collaboration. Its flexible and social design focuses on human interaction and balances open and closed laboratories to adapt to project needs. It hosts interdisciplinary units such as the Entrepreneurship Center (Fit Startup Factory and OpenFAB Istanbul) and the Technology Transfer Office (TTO), as well as industry leaders like the GE Turkey Innovation Center and ÖzÜ Bex, which supports SMEs in their digital transformation journey with EU funding. The makerspace, a central hub connecting laboratories, supports processes from prototyping to production, enabling the realization of innovative ideas.

ÖzÜ-X has made significant contributions to the university and the broader innovation ecosystem. Fit Startup Factory has received over 4,000 applications since 2011, supporting 250 entrepreneurs and leading to the establishment of 61 businesses. OpenFAB Istanbul has organized 86 workshops since 2016, reaching 2,113 participants. TTO has been ranked among Turkey’s top 10 universities by TÜBİTAK and secured 350 million TL in funding over 10 years through collaborations with the public and private sectors. The Sustainability Platform collaborates with Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD) to contribute to Turkey’s sustainability goals.

ÖzÜ-X simulates real-world working environments, supporting problem-solving and scenario-based learning. It integrates teaching spaces, laboratories, and project areas, combining different stages of design and production processes. This approach encourages interdisciplinary learning and research, enabling students and researchers to work beyond traditional boundaries.

ÖzÜ-X actively engages with external stakeholders. The GE Turkey Innovation Center provides industrial innovators access to advanced equipment such as CNC milling machines, 3D printers, and laser cutters. Hosting over 300 events annually, ÖzÜ-X welcomes more than 8,500 participants through seminars, maker workshops, and corporate training sessions. Fit Startup Factory offers training, mentorship, and a broad business network to external entrepreneurs, bridging the gap between academia and industry.

The ÖzÜ-Bex Industrial Transformation Center, located within ÖzÜ-X, is a joint stock company established under the project “Digital Transformation of SMEs in Turkey through the Establishment of an Industry 4.0 Competence Center” in partnership with White Goods Suppliers Association (BEYSAD) and Özyeğin University. Spanning 1,000 m² on the Özyeğin University campus, the center provides technical infrastructure, equipment, training, consultancy, and guidance services to support the digital transformation of SMEs and entrepreneurs.

ÖzÜ-X is designed to be accessible to all. Transportation to the campus is convenient from nine different points in Istanbul, and the facility, open 24/7, offers flexible working opportunities for students, academics, and researchers. Additionally, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and citizens can access ÖzÜ-X’s resources and programs.

As a model of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, ÖzÜ-X embodies Özyeğin University’s mission of discovery and innovation. Integrating academic, business and community spaces fosters creativity, collaboration, and real-world impact. ÖzÜ-X sets a new global standard in innovation spaces, inviting exploration of the unknown.