Home appliances manufacturer Arçelik and Istanbul Technical University (ITU) executed a comprehensive three-year cooperation protocol alongside the 1773 ITU Technology Transfer Office (TTO). The signing ceremony at ITU Ayazağa Campus was attended by ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, 1773 ITU TTO General Manager Dr. Bilal Çinici, Arçelik CEO Can Dinçer, and senior executives from both entities.
Under the agreement, joint R&D and product development initiatives will focus on sustainable materials, smart cooking, energy-efficient cooling, air and water purification, hygiene technologies, and artificial intelligence. Projects will leverage national and international funding mechanisms such as TÜBİTAK and European Union Framework Programmes.
The protocol provides students with practical training, mentorship, and support for undergraduate design projects and master's theses. International ITU students from countries where Arçelik operates, including Egypt, Pakistan, Russia, Bangladesh, and Romania, will access internship positions within Arçelik’s global network. Additionally, dedicated mentorship programs will target female engineering students.
Executive Statements
Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, Rector of ITU: "We view university-industry relations as a long-term ecosystem where a culture of co-creation and joint execution is strengthened. With this step, we bring ITU's 253-year heritage of science and engineering together with Arçelik's industrial R&D and technology development experience. It is invaluable for our students to engage with real industry problems early on and participate directly in technology development before graduation."
Can Dinçer, CEO of Arçelik: "Throughout our 71-year journey, we have derived our strength from technology, science, and continuous learning. By combining Arçelik’s technology development expertise with the scientific prowess of ITU, we will give new momentum to our work. As an ITU alumnus, I am personally delighted to sign this agreement on behalf of Arçelik with the university that laid the foundation of my career."
