SUCool is a Pre-Incubation Center for innovation based start-ups.
SUCool provides teams that meet the selection criteria with fundamental support such as training, workspace, mentorship, business development, customer introductions, promotion, investor readiness, and connections with investors. At the end of the training and mentorship processes, the goal is for the projects to have validated business models and a clear roadmap. SUCool takes the selected entrepreneurs to startup acceleration camps in places like Silicon Valley (2014, 5 participants), Boston (2015, 5 participants), London (2016 and 2017, 4 cohorts, 17 participants), and Singapore (2014, 2 participants). High-performing projects and advanced-stage entrepreneurs can benefit from Sabancı University's Inovent Inc.'s services, including international fundraising, intellectual property processes, and strategic consultancy.
The support offered to SUCool and Inovent Inc. startups includes:
- Participation in SUCool's 8-week training program.
- Mentorship from experienced professionals in their industry.
- Free use of SUCool offices.
- Access to the investor network.
- Utilization of Sabancı University's business network and promotional channels.
- Discounts or free benefits from brands and services partnered with SUCool.
- Entrepreneurs who demonstrate progress and are ready for international expansion will have the opportunity to participate in SUCool's overseas startup acceleration camp.
Ziya ALPAY
CIO @ Sabancı University & General Manager @ INOVENT Inc.
Ziya Alpay graduated from Boğaziçi University’s Civil Engineering department in 1994. He served in the following roles: Assistant Secretary-General at Bahçeşehir University (2001-2004), General Manager at Uğur Information Technologies (2004-2008), Secretary-General at Bahçeşehir University (2008-2018), Member of the Board of Trustees at Bahçeşehir University (2018-2021), CEO at Malta American University (2020-2022), and Managing Partner at his own company, Digital Transformation Group (2022). Since November 2022, he has been serving as the Director of the Sabancı University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative.
Evren DEĞERLİER
Entrepreneurship and Business Development Manager @ INOVENT Inc.
Evren Değerlier graduated from the Chemical Engineering undergraduate program at Yıldız Technical University. He held the following roles: Biodiesel Project Manager at Ezici Renewable Energy Inc. (2003-2006), Business Development Manager at Aka Holding, Business Development Director at Lemone Food (2011-2013), Project Director at Arkony R&D (2013-2015), General Manager at Salem King R&D Technology (2016-2018), and Director of the Technology Transfer Office and Entrepreneurship Center at Istanbul Arel University (2018-2020) and MEF University (2020-2022).
Naci KAHRAMAN
Programs Leader
Naci Kahraman earned his bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Systems and Industrial Engineering from Sabancı University in 2014 and his master’s degree in Engineering Management from Galatasaray University in 2017. Between 2014 and 2020, he managed various entrepreneurship support projects at Sabancı University for six years. After gaining four years of experience in entrepreneurship and investment consulting, he rejoined the SUCool team in September 2023.
İkbal DÜNDAR
Incubation Center Facility Leader
A 2001 graduate of METU’s Chemical Engineering program, İkbal Dündar joined the Sabancı University SUCool team after 18 years of experience in finance and financial affairs.
Pınar KESKİN
Events and Social Media Specialist
Pınar Keskin worked as the Corporate Communications Manager at Bahçeşehir College from 2013 to 2023. She joined the SUCool team in September 2023.