Future Software Developers Take Their First Step into the Sector at Istanbul Commerce University
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Ticar@ Software Developer Academy, implemented by Istanbul Commerce University with the support of Istanbul Development Agency, brought 118 software developer candidates to the sector. Graduate trainees took their first steps into the sector by presenting their projects to the world of technology at the Career Summit. In the panel organized at the event, the contributions of smart city technologies and digitalization to employment were discussed.
Istanbul Commerce University launched the Ticar@ Software Academy and Employment Center Project with the support of the Istanbul Development Agency in order to bring the software developers of the future to the sector. Within the framework of the National Technology Move Program of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, as a project of the Technology Transfer Office of our university, in partnership with ITO, Teknopark Istanbul, Esenler Municipality, Economic Research Foundation, BeTa Science Association, 118 software developer candidates who successfully completed the training and camp processes and at least 60 percent of whom will be employed within the scope of the project; took their first steps into the sector by presenting their projects to the software and technology authorities at the Career Summit held at Istanbul Commerce University Sütlüce Campus.
The program was attended by Dr. Ziya Taşkent, Secretary General of Istanbul Development Agency, Prof. Dr. Hanifi Parlar, Vice Rector of Istanbul Commerce University, Ertan Ünal, Director of Project and Business Development Directorate of Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, İbrahim Elbaşı, General Manager of Information Commercialization Center (BTM), Mustafa Çalış, President of TÜYAFED Software Developers Federation, Özkan Can, Team Leader of Istanbul Technopark Istanbul Incubation Center, academicians and students graduating from the academy. R&D Center companies also opened stands in front of the event for employment.
NEW HORIZONS IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Istanbul Commerce University Technology Transfer Office Coordinator Dr. İlker Köse made the opening speech of the program. Dr. İlker Köse stated that Ticar@ Software Academy fills the gaps in technical education and brings qualified software developers to the sector. Stating that the project made a significant contribution to the software world, Dr. Köse stated that similar practices will become more widespread in the future.
EMPHASIS ON EDUCATION INTEGRATED WITH INDUSTRY
Istanbul Commerce University Faculty of Engineering Dean Prof. Dr. Mehmet Hakan Hocaoğlu drew attention to the importance of continuing education after university in an integrated manner with industry. Prof. Dr. Hocaoğlu congratulated the participants who successfully completed an intensive training program exceeding 500 hours in the project carried out with the support of ISTKA.
AN IMPORTANT STEP TOWARDS MAKING ISTANBUL A TECHNOLOGY HUB
Istanbul Development Agency Secretary General Dr. Ziya Taşkent stated that these projects contribute to Istanbul’s technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Drawing attention to the Agency’s efforts to transform Istanbul into a global technology and entrepreneurship hub, Dr. Taşkent stated that the project implemented within the framework of the Talent Istanbul program aims to ensure that young people not only receive training but also gain sectoral employment. Dr. Taşkent stated that the program is an important step towards the goal of making Istanbul a global technology base by training competent individuals in the sub-specialties needed in the sector.
INTENSIVE TRAINING AND HIGH ACHIEVEMENT
In his speech, the Academic Advisor of the Project is Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sabri Öz stated that the program was successfully completed after an intensive process of approximately 6 months. Emphasizing that 118 participants selected among more than 2 thousand applicants successfully completed 480 hours of training and 26 days of camping, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Öz stated that the projects were designed for sectoral needs and that the students performed outstandingly in these projects.
EMPHASIS ON ADDED VALUE IN R&D AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The program continued with a panel titled “Value Added Company Projects and Qualifications Expected from R&D Teams”. Speaking at the panel moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Öz, İbrahim Elbaşı, General Manager of the Information Commercialization Center (BTM), a subsidiary of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, stated that they offer support to entrepreneurs from the idea stage and said, “BTM contributes to the growth of entrepreneurs as the third largest start-up center in the world.” Techsoft Software General Manager Rıdvan Yılmaz drew attention to the need for qualified personnel, while IQ Vizyon Chairman Emre Hekim stated that software developers should constantly improve themselves. Akif Emrah Büyüksomer, Head of Beta İlim Association Education Academy, stated that addressing R&D with an interdisciplinary approach is critical in creating added value.
EMPHASIS ON EMPLOYMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN SMART CITY TECHNOLOGIES
In the panel “Public Institution Projects and Employment Impact within the Scope of Smart City Technologies”, digital transformation projects of public institutions and the effects of these projects on employment were discussed. Speaking at the panel moderated by MRC Group Chairman Muti Rumelli, Yunus Kurt, General Manager of Teknopark Esenler, a subsidiary of Esenler Municipality, stated that the projects developed in Esenler with the vision of smart urbanism not only improve the quality of life but also contribute to employment. Bekir Selçuk Temel, Innovation and Technology Manager of Başakşehir Municipality, stated that the support they offer to entrepreneurs with the Living Lab model and acceleration programs accelerate the commercialization process of innovative projects. Bağcılar Municipality IT Manager Cüneyt Yılmaz emphasized that they offer solutions that increase convenience, efficiency and quality of life in the services provided to citizens with the Digital City Twin and Bağkart projects. At the end of the event, graduated trainees presented their projects to the appreciation of the participants. The program ended with the awarding of certificates to graduating students. At the certificate ceremony, it was stated that cooperation efforts will be continued to bring graduates into sectoral employment, while new mentoring projects and employment programs are aimed to be implemented to support the career development of qualified software developers.
