Bilim Park Incubator

AUDB completed two new technology incubator buildings at Izmir Bilimpark in the Menderes region of Izmir in the summer of 2015. Most noteworthy, the project which cost a total of 7m TL, was carried out in collaboration with IEU, ITOB and the Ministry of Industry, and forms part of a wider initiative by the Turkish Government to develop university oriented technological incubator initiatives.

The completed buildings form the first of 3 phases of the Bilim Park Development.  So for the 2nd phase the ITOP Bilim Park site will provide 6,600 m2 of tech industry production units and 4,250 m2 of offices and research laboratories. Finally the 3rd and final phase which will be located at Izmir University of Economic’s new Goztepe campus, which plans to open in 2016-17.

The completed phase 1 buildings were designed to provide a variety of office spaces, research labs and associated multi-purpose areas for knowledge exchange. Although the technology incubator buildings are separate, they are linked by a series of bridges. Likewise, the structure is unusual for Izmir as it employs the use of a steel frame that is configured as a system of V-shaped alternating steel columns. Consequently the structure contains additional bracing to help withstand earthquakes. Also, the building employs solar shading and insulation strategies in a rain-screen cladding system to minimise the buildings reliance upon non-renewable energy sources.

Ekrem Demirbas, the President of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce has said that this initiative well help to address the needs of Turkey’s growing young population by increasing higher education provision and at the same time linking with hi-tech research and development facilities that will help to promote entrepreneurial skills for young start-up companies.