Within the framework of contacts conducted under Türkiye's “STI³” (Science, Technology, Innovation, Industry, Investment) approach—launched to advance international partnerships in these fields—Italian Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso, Italian Ambassador to Türkiye Giuseppe Manzo, President of the Italian Space Agency Teodoro Valente, and their accompanying delegation paid an official visit to TÜBİTAK UZAY.

The visit followed the first bilateral meeting held between Türkiye and Italy under the STI³ framework, during which TÜBİTAK UZAY’s technological infrastructure and ongoing activities were examined on-site.

TÜBİTAK UZAY’s Capabilities Showcased

The visit was attended by Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology Muhammet Kasım Gönüllü and TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın. As part of the program, the delegation toured the Institute’s cleanroom, ground station, and satellite exhibition area, and received detailed briefings on TÜBİTAK UZAY’s capabilities in satellite technologies as well as its ongoing projects. The visit continued with a series of introductory presentations.

During these presentations, TÜBİTAK UZAY Corporate Coordinator Dr. Sadık Murat Yüksel, TÜBİTAK BİLGEM Vice President Celal Mızrak, TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center President Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy, and TÜBİTAK SAGE Director Kemal Topalömer shared insights into their institutions’ activities and competencies.

In his remarks, Deputy Minister Muhammet Kasım Gönüllü noted that Türkiye has developed significant capabilities in space and advanced technologies over the past two decades. He emphasized that, through the coordinated efforts of TÜBİTAK UZAY, the Turkish Space Agency, TUSAŞ, and other stakeholders, a strong ecosystem has been established in satellite design, manufacturing, and system integration.

Emphasis on International Cooperation

TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın expressed his pleasure in hosting the delegation and underlined TÜBİTAK’s strong commitment to strengthening international partnerships and supporting joint R&D activities. He stated that the visit represents a valuable opportunity to further advance cooperation between Türkiye and Italy in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.

A Forward-Looking Cooperation Perspective

The visit was regarded as an important foundation for potential joint projects between Türkiye and Italy, particularly in the areas of space technologies and advanced engineering, and as a significant step toward translating the partnerships to be established under the STI³ framework into concrete outcomes.