Üsküdar University’s Young Minds Academy held a meeting with the KOSGEB (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization of Türkiye) European Side Regional Directorate. Hosted by the KOSGEB European Side Regional Directorate, the meeting focused on youth entrepreneurship and socially innovative business ideas. The session, with contributions from Asst. Prof. Nebiye Yaşar, Director of the Young Minds Academy at Üsküdar University, and Asst. Prof. Ayhan Özşahin, emphasized young people's visionary approaches in addressing societal challenges. KOSGEB Regional Director Duygu Yücesoy Manyaslı highlighted that they view innovative entrepreneurship as a tool for sustainable development. Young entrepreneurs shared their projects in fields such as healthcare, digitalization, and family development, drawing attention to the guiding and motivating impact of KOSGEB support programs.
Asst. Prof. Nebiye Yaşar: “Youth ideas are a strategic opportunity for Türkiye”
Asst. Prof. Nebiye Yaşar, Director of the Young Minds Academy and Coordinator of Social Impact at Üsküdar University, stated that young people can lead social transformation through a strong project culture. “Social impact is not only possible through volunteerism but also through intellect, planning, and entrepreneurship. Connecting youth-led, socially impactful business ideas with government support mechanisms is a strategic opportunity for Türkiye,” she said.
Asst. Prof. Ayhan Özşahin: “Today’s entrepreneurs adopt a forward-thinking mindset”
Speaking at the meeting, Asst. Prof. Ayhan Özşahin from Üsküdar University’s Faculty of Medicine emphasized how the entrepreneurial vision of today’s youth significantly differs from previous generations. “Today’s young entrepreneurs are not just thinking about investors; they also consider society, the environment, and the future. We will continue to support this conscious generation across all domains,” he stated.
Duygu Yücesoy Manyaslı: “We support every step taken in this field”
In her opening remarks, KOSGEB European Side Regional Director Duygu Yücesoy Manyaslı underlined that young people possess the potential to create not only economic but also social value. “We hope that our young people’s ideas will evolve beyond establishing companies and become projects that touch societal wounds and benefit the community. We view innovative entrepreneurship as a tool for sustainable development and support every step taken in this field,” she said.
Young entrepreneurs shared their experiences
Young entrepreneurs participating in the meeting also introduced their social impact-oriented projects. Dr. Mustafa Şanverdi presented his work in AI applications in healthcare; İclal Elif Erdoğan shared her ideas aimed at empowering young women entrepreneurs in the digital sphere; and Melisa Gül presented her innovative startup focused on mother-child development. The young entrepreneurs emphasized that KOSGEB's support mechanisms are not only financial but also motivational and directive in nature.
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)