SSB and YÖK Join Forces for Quantum Technology Advancement in Ankara
Ankara, June 25 – A significant ‘Universities Defense Industry Quantum Technologies Strategic Competence Development Cooperation Protocol’ was signed yesterday, June 24, between the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). The ceremony, held at the Presidency of Defense Industries, brought together key figures from the defense industry, academia, and governmental bodies.
The signing event for the protocol, introduced during the ‘SSB Quantum Program Promotion,’ saw the participation of Haluk Görgün, President of Defense Industries; Erol Özvar, President of YÖK; Ahmet Akyol, General Manager of ASELSAN; Murat İkinci, General Manager of ROKETSAN; Mehmet Akif Nacar, General Manager of HAVELSAN; Özgür Güleryüz, General Manager of Defense Technologies Engineering Inc.; TÜBİTAK executives; university rectors; academicians; and defense industry representatives.
Objectives of the Collaboration
The newly signed protocol outlines several ambitious goals:
- Training qualified human resources in quantum technologies.
- Strengthening research capacity in the field.
- Deepening university-industry-public sector cooperation.
- Establishing a sustainable quantum ecosystem within Turkey.
This initiative underscores a strategic commitment to advancing Turkey’s capabilities in a rapidly evolving technological domain.
Eleven Universities to Contribute
The program will see active participation from 11 prominent universities, aiming to significantly contribute to the development of Turkey’s quantum ecosystem. These institutions include:
- Ankara University
- Bilkent University
- Boğaziçi University
- Gebze Technical University
- Hacettepe University
- Istanbul Technical University
- Koç University
- Middle East Technical University
- Özyeğin University
- Sabancı University
- TOBB Economics and Technology University
Their involvement is expected to create a robust network for research and development in quantum technologies.
Quantum as a Strategic Capability Area
Haluk Görgün, President of Defense Industries, emphasized the critical juncture quantum technologies represent for the defense industry. He stated that quantum is directly shaping the future of defense in various areas, from cryptology to signal-independent navigation, precise sensing, and next-generation computing.
“Quantum has transformed into a strategic capability area that directly shapes the future of defense,” said Görgün. He added, “With the roadmap we have announced, we are creating a holistic ecosystem that brings together our universities, main contractors, SMEs, technopark companies, and young researchers around the same strategic goal.”
Görgün articulated Turkey’s ambition to become a producer and leader in quantum technologies, highlighting the importance of self-sufficiency in critical technological domains. “External dependence in critical technologies is not just a supply issue; it is the silent surrender of sovereignty. Our goal is to make Turkey one of the countries that produces, develops, and leads in quantum technologies,” he asserted. He further stressed that the competition in this field is not merely about devices, laboratories, or infrastructure, but also about nurturing scientists, engineers, and researchers, considering human capital as the most valuable national asset.
A Strategic Imperative, Not a Choice
YÖK President Erol Özvar underscored Turkey’s historic transformation in the defense industry over the past two decades. He highlighted the vital importance of establishing a direct and strong relationship between the defense industry and the research capacity of universities. Özvar noted that YÖK is actively working to enable the higher education system to contribute more significantly to critical technology areas.
Emphasizing the transformative impact of quantum technologies across a wide spectrum, Özvar stated, “Establishing a strong human resource and research infrastructure in the field of quantum in our country is not a choice, but a strategic necessity.” He also revealed that YÖK is developing new programs focused on quantum technologies within the higher education system.
Özvar detailed plans to launch new quantum-oriented programs at the undergraduate level and initiated a process of transformation and restructuring for certain programs, leveraging the existing expertise of physics departments.
Beyond Educational Activities
The signed protocol, Özvar explained, aims to train qualified human resources, develop educational programs, and strengthen research capacity in quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communication. He added that the initiative seeks to guide young people towards this field through scholarships, internship programs, research projects, summer schools, and technical events.
“This protocol will not be limited to educational activities only. Thanks to this model, which addresses university, industry, and public sector cooperation with a holistic approach, it will be possible to transform research outputs into technology, develop the critical competencies our defense industry needs, and create a strong quantum ecosystem in our country,” Özvar concluded.
Source: Milliyet.com.tr
